Peres criticized France and Germany for their opposition

Former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres on Thursday criticized France and Germany for their opposition
to a U.S.-led attack on
Iraq, and questioned France's status as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council.

Peres, also criticized recent mass demonstrations around the world against a possible U.S. attack on Iraq.

"Why didn't they demonstrate when Saddam Hussein invaded Iran, or invaded Kuwait?"
Peres told the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

"That was a war. It cost a million of lives."


Peres also suggested another country replace France as a permanent member of the Security Council.

"Why not for example, India, that represents much more of the 20th century, in terms of people, in terms of position, in terms of visions?" Peres said.

If France and Germany oppose positions backed by other European countries, they should provide alternatives proposals, Peres said.

He also questioned their support, without U.N. backing, for the use of force in the Balkans in 1999. "One must ask, why was it right to bomb Kosovo without the United Nations approval? Is former President Slobodan Milosevic more dangerous than Saddam Hussein?" Peres asked.

While he has not openly called for a U.S. attack on Iraq, he has made no secret of his desire to see the ouster of Saddam, whose regime fired 39 Scud missiles at Israel during the 1991 Gulf War without one casualty after Israel bombed Iraq during Menachem begins (a man of peace) reign.