Dr M admits writing to former Israeli PM

IPOH, Malaysia - Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has confirmed that there was an exchange of letters between him and the Israeli Prime Minister when he was the premier.

However, he said his letter was to condemn the aggression by the Israeli regime on the Palestinians.

"The letter from Ehud Barak (former Israeli PM) requested Malaysia to establish diplomatic ties with Israel.

"I replied that Malaysia would not as long as Israel did not recognise Palestine," he told reporters after launching the Peaceful Tour here yesterday.

Dr Mahathir, who said he still kept copies of the letters, added that the Government had not permitted him to publish them (in his book).

Of late, pro-Opposition blogs had been claiming that Dr Mahathir had wanted to establish diplomatic ties with Israel.