The Foreign Minister of Israel, Avigdor Lieberman,
met with Brazil's President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, yesterday and asked for Brazil's help with Iran. Lieberman also asked for help in getting Palestinians to engage in "direct" talks with Israel.
Lieberman is
currently in Brazil as part of a ten day trade mission in Latin America. Brazil has indicated support for Iran's development of "non-military" nuclear technology. Brazil's Foreign Minister, Celso Amorin, also said that he wanted to see the Middle East "free of nuclear weapons." Amorim went on to
say that he wanted to see all countries sign the nuclear weapon non-proliferation treaty, which is seen as a jab at Israel. Israel opted out of the the treaty, and it is believed -- although not confirmed -- that Israel has nuclear weapons.
Ahmadinejad has been
pursuing a policy of forming alliances with Latin American countries since at least 2008, saying that 'America was trying to lasso' Iran, so Iran should counter by forming alliances in Latin America.
Earlier this month, Obama met with da Silva in Italy and they reportedly
discussed Iran, with Obama pointing out that Brazil's trade ties with Iran put Brazil in a position of 'influence' with Iran.
