Peres warns of a nuclear Middle East

JERUSALEM, Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Israeli President Shimon Peres warned visiting U.S. Republican congressmen the Middle East will turn into a nuclear zone if a chance for peace is missed.

"If Israel misses the chance for peace, the Middle East will become an uncontrollable nuclear zone and there will be no turning back," a statement released by Peres's office quoted him saying.

Peres met the U.S. delegation led by Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va., the House Republican whip, in Jerusalem Tuesday and discussed the peace process, the Iranian nuclear threat, and Israel-U.S. relations, Israeli media reports said.

Peres told the congressmen Iran and others in the region must be prevented from pursuing nuclear weapons, The Jerusalem Post said.

Israel should ask itself two questions, Peres said, what kind of peace can it obtain and what will happen if peace is not achieved, a statement released by his office said.

Cantor told Peres the group's visit is to "reconfirm the message that the U.S. Congress stands staunchly behind Israel in its struggle and we are here to strengthen the U.S. Israel relationship," the statement said.

Peres noted Israel is making enormous efforts to improve the quality of life for West Bank Palestinians and has removed military checkpoints and eased restrictions, allowing the Palestinians to enjoy greater freedom, the statement quoted him saying.