Message from Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni
(Communicated by the Foreign Ministry Spokesman)
Today, 17 March 2009, marks 17 years since the murderous and heinous terror attack against the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires.
We remember with pain the 29 victims of the attack and the dozens wounded. My heart, and the hearts of the people of Israel are with the families of the victims - among them our colleagues, Israeli diplomats and their spouses, dedicated Argentinian employees of the embassy, and innocent passersby, as well as with the Argentinian people who suffered such a painful attack in their country.
The lives of the victims were snuffed out, but their mission continues. Two years later, more than 85 people were killed and hundreds wounded in the terror attack on the AMIA building of the Argentinian Jewish community.
These attacks posed a new challenge to the nations of the world - the war against world terror. Some of those who planned and carried out this terrible crime against humanity continue to live in freedom and to plan new attacks around the world. We must not surrender in the war against terror, and the world must rally to combat fundamentalist terror impregnated with hatred and destruction.
We support the Argentinian government in its efforts to bring those responsible to justice. Only all-out war against murderers who do not hesitate to deliberately kill defenseless civilians can ensure a free and peaceful existence in our world.
On this occasion, we must denounce the state that stands behind world terror: Iran. Iran arms, funds and trains terrorists throughout the world, while continuing to strive to attain nuclear weapons. It is the heads of the Iranian government who lead the new anti-Semitism and the denial of the Holocaust. Action against Iran is especially important in light of its efforts to increase its presence in Latin America.
The solidarity of the Argentinian government and public with the victims of the attack on the Israeli Embassy is testimony to our shared values. By uniting together, we will overcome evil and build a better world for us and our children. Preserving our historical memory is a vital element in building such a world.