"The United States condemns in the strongest terms the transfer of any arms, and especially ballistic missile systems such as the SCUD, from Syria to Hezbollah," the statement, issued by State Department spokesman Gordon Duguid, said.
The State Department said this was the fourth time in recent months that Washington has raised the issue with the Syrian Embassy.
The U.S. statement was a strong warning to Damascus, saying that weapons transfers were an obstacle to the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians and noting that Syria's designation as a "state sponsor of terrorism" was tied to its support for groups such as Hezbollah.
"We call for an immediate cessation of any arms transfers to Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations in the region."
"We wouldn't have called them in if we didn't think something was going on," the [U.S.]official said.
-- Reuters April 19, 2010 http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE63J01J20100420
Monday, April 19, 2010
U.S. condemns possible Syrian transfer of SCUDS to Hezbollah
Statement by President on Israel Independence Day
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
_______________________________________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 19, 2010
Statement by President on Israel Independence Day
On the 62nd Anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel, I join the American people in congratulating the government and people of Israel on this celebration of their independence. Minutes after David Ben-Gurion declared Israel’s independence, realizing the dream of a state for the Jewish people in their historic homeland, the United States became the first country to recognize Israel. To this day, we continue to share a strong, unbreakable bond of friendship between our two nations, anchored by the United States’ enduring commitment to Israel’s security. Israel remains our important partner and key strategic ally in the Middle East, and I am confident that our special relationship will only be strengthened in the months and years to come. I look forward to continuing our efforts with Israel to achieve comprehensive peace and security in the region, including a two-state solution, and to working together to counter the forces that threaten Israel, the United States, and the world. On this day, we once again honor the extraordinary achievements of the people of Israel, and their deep and abiding friendship with the American people. I offer my best wishes to President Peres, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and the people of Israel as they celebrate this happy occasion.
PM Netanyahu's message to the Diaspora communities for Israel Independence Day 2010
| Israel’s Independence Day celebrates a double miracle in the life of the Jewish people. |
What's so special about Israel?
Five (5) Israels fit into one Iowa. Independent only 62 years, with 1/1000th of the world's population, surrounded by enemies, under constant threat and possessing almost no natural resources.What's so special about Israel? Take a look!
Source:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGUxzISr9Us&feature=player_embedded
Producer: aish.com
Send comments to jcrc@dmjfed.org
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Sec. Clinton heralds Israel Independence Day
Israel Independence Day
Secretary of State
http://www.state.gov/video/?videoid=77844696001
Congratulations Israel on 62 years of independence! This is an opportunity to celebrate all that Israel has accomplished and to reaffirm the bonds that unite our two nations – our strategic partnership, our shared values, and our common aspirations.
You know, in 1948, it took President Truman only 11 minutes to recognize your new nation. And ever since, the United States has stood with you in solidarity.
Since my first visit to Israel nearly thirty years ago, I have returned many times and made many friends. And I have shared your pride in seeing the desert bloom, the economy thrive and your country flourish. I have a deep personal commitment to Israel. And so does President Obama. Our nation will not waver in protecting Israel’s security and promoting Israel’s future.
That is why pursuing peace and recognized borders for Israel is one of our top priorities. We believe it is possible – indeed necessary – to achieve a comprehensive peace in the Middle East that provides Israelis, Palestinians, and all the people of the region security, prosperity, and the opportunity to live up to their full God-given potential.
Israel today is confronting some of the greatest challenges in its history, but its promise and potential have never been greater. The United States will continue to stand with you, sharing your risks and helping shoulder your burdens, as we face the future together.
Peres: Israel is a peace-seeking state
Peres at Israel Remembrance Day ceremony:
Peres sent a message of peace: "We don't seek war. We are a peace-seeking state, but we know, and will continue to know, how to care for ourselves. We are a democratic state, replete with rifts and divisions, arguments and internal disputes – but we are also a nation that knows how to unite and rise up in the hour of need, to defend our lives and defeat those who lie in ambush."
Source: ynetnews.com
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Sec. of Defense: US does not have means for dealing with Iranian progress toward nuclear weapons
Gates Says U.S. Lacks Policy to Curb Iran’s Nuclear Drive
By DAVID E. SANGER and THOM SHANKER
Published: April 17, 2010 New York Times (excerpt)
WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has warned in a secret three-page memorandum to top White House officials that the United States does not have an effective long-range policy for dealing with Iran’s steady progress toward nuclear capability, according to government officials familiar with the document.
Several officials said the highly classified analysis, written in January to President Obama’s national security adviser, Gen. James L. Jones, came in the midst of an intensifying effort inside the Pentagon, the White House and the intelligence agencies to develop new options for Mr. Obama. They include a set of military alternatives, still under development, to be considered should diplomacy and sanctions fail to force Iran to change course.
Officials familiar with the memo’s contents would describe only portions dealing with strategy and policy, and not sections that apparently dealt with secret operations against Iran, or how to deal with Persian Gulf allies.
One senior official, who like others spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the memo, described the document as “a wake-up call.” But White House officials dispute that view, insisting that for 15 months they had been conducting detailed planning for many possible outcomes regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/18/world/middleeast/18iran.html?hp