Iran is centre of moral corruption: Peres

Israeli President Shimon Peres has said that the international community should wary of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons as the country was riddled by moral corruption among top leadership. "I do believe that Iran is today the centre of moral corruption of our time. They kill people. They
support terror. They are highly ambitious, so it's a problem not just for Israel. Israel is just part of it. And I think the leaders of the world understand it. They take it seriously," Peres told the Charlie Rose Show in an interview.

"You know, Iran is not just a danger or a problem for Israel. If Iran will win, you may, all of us, lose the Middle East, and lose the oil supply," he alleged.

"It's a very serious problem, and the group that is running Iran today doesn't have any respect for law, for humanity, or for reason. You know, I remember the lectures from [unintelligible], who said, "Of all corruptions in life, moral corruption is the most dangerous one," Peres said.

Peres interview to the Charlie Rose show comes ahead of the White House meeting between the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Barack Obama.

"I think he is coming in order to clarify it with the president what should be the next step, how can we have a clear position, which is quite clear, by the way.

Calling Obama a great President, Peres said, "I believe he's serious, we are not playing here politics, I think it's an important meeting, and I am sure we will reach an agreement," he said.

"They only outlined, namely, that let's do the maximum in the way of economic and political pressure, and keep all the option on the table, both of them said it," Peres said when asked about what kind of agreement.

Peres said Israel and US are having the highest level of cooperation on security.

"And if you ask me, I have the highest respect for President Obama. He, too, has to face very difficult situations outside and inside, but I think he's a great President and I think he's a great friend (of Israel)," he said.

"I say it without any hesitations. I don't want to participate any of elections but that's not the reason to say the truth. I think the relations between America and Israel are -- they are best and the most crucial issue of security is the best we ever had," he said.

Source: Press Trust Of India