Chas Freeman slams 'destructive' Israeli policies

Chas Freeman slams 'destructive' Israeli policies

Charles W. Freeman

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 10:20:20 GMT

Former US diplomat Charles W. Freeman says he doubts whether the current Israeli policies can guarantee the regime's survival in the Middle East.

"I don't see how Israel can continue to survive in the long term as a state in the Middle East if it is not prepared to deal with respect and consideration with its Arab neighbors specially the Palestinians," Freeman, a former US ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said in an exclusive interview with Press TV.

In mid March, Freeman turned down Director of National Intelligence (NIC) Dennis C. Blair's offer to be the chairman of the body.

His abrupt withdrawal came after Freeman, who described "Israeli violence against Palestinians" as a key barrier to Mideast peace, drew fire from the Israeli lobby.

"The tactics of the Israel Lobby plumb the depths of dishonor and indecency and include character assassination, selective misquotation, the willful distortion of the record, the fabrication of falsehoods, and an utter disregard for the truth," he wrote in a statement after his withdrawal.

In the interview with Press TV, Freeman echoed his previous stance.

"I am critical of Israel's policy. I believe Israel's policies are destructive to American interests and also to Israeli interests," he said.

Freeman also noted that he was disappointed when the administration of President Barack Obama refused to put its weight behind him over the offered position.

"I was obviously disappointed that I didn't have support from the White House. But as I understand the way this administration works I shouldn't have been surprised," he said.

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