Peres disappointed over Lieberman's call on Mubarak to 'go to hell'

By TALIA DEKEL
President Shimon Peres expressed disappointment with comments made by Israel Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman regarding Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak during a Knesset session devoted to the memory of former minister Rehevam Ze'evi on Wednesday. Lieberman said that the Egyptian leader could "go to hell" if he chose not to visit Israel as a reciprocal gesture to Israeli officials' visits. "The state of Israel has great respect for President Mubarak and for his country for their important role in promoting peace in the area, as well as for their brave efforts and unrelenting efforts in this issue," a statement released by the president's office read. "Israeli-Egyptian relations are composed of many matters… and are based on mutual respect and a single declaration will not implicate this deep relationship," Peres said. Peres spoke with Mubarak over the phone following the publication of his statement.