Subscribe to Print Edition | Thu., February 14, 2008 Adar1 8, 5768 | | Israel Time: 02:08 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

Germany aims to up sanctions on Iran, Merkel tells Olmert By Barak Ravid BERLIN - Germany hopes to impose further sanctions through the United Nations on Iran because of its insistence to proceed with its nuclear program, Chancellor Angela Merkel said yesterday during a meeting with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Merkel stressed that the solution to the crisis must be diplomatic, but Olmert has not ruled out a military operation against Iran. Advertisement Olmert, who completed a three-day official visit to Germany last night, met with Merkel on Monday for dinner with a few aides. They also met yesterday morning. Iran's nuclear program was the main focus. Merkel raised Iran's recent missile tests, including missiles with the range to target European capitals. "We are very concerned about these tests," she said. In the coming weeks, a new report by the International Atomic Energy Agency will be released on Iran's nuclear program and will discuss the degree to which Iran has complied with international calls for an end to its uranium enrichment program. During their talks, Merkel promised Olmert that the report will represent a point of reference and will not determine Germany's position on sanctions. "I certainly understand the need to step up sanctions on Iran," Merkel told Olmert. "We will support additional sanctions on Iran irrespective of the IAEA report or that of U.S. intelligence." A report in November by U.S. intelligence agencies stated that Iran had ceased its quest for nuclear arms in 2003, an assessment Israel does not accept. Confusion in Germany The American report has led to confusion in Germany and raised serious debate among defense and political leaders there. Olmert presented the chancellor with Israeli intelligence assessments on Iran's nuclear program. During the two leaders' press conference yesterday, Merkel said that "a diplomatic option must be preserved because this way we can have results." Olmert partially agreed with his host's approach, but added that the military option should not be ruled out. "We are acting together with other countries in order to create a unified effort of the international community in an attempt to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear arms," he said. "U.S. President Bush said that no option should be ruled out, and I think this is an acceptable definition." Bookmark to del.icio.us   What's up, doc? Hamas airs television show featuring 'Jew-eating' Bugs Bunny look-alikes. Gaza Trip Livni takes 70 ambassadors on a visit to the Gaza Strip as part of diplomatic campaign.

Today Online Hezbollah terror chief killed in Damascus blast; Israel blamed Responses: 692 PM: Major progress possible on borders of Palestinian state Responses: 115 Barak says ministerial calls for action in Gaza are 'dangerous' Responses: 79 Amira Hass: Gazans wonder what's new about Israel wiping out neighborhoods Responses: 100 New Hamas TV show features 'Jew-eating' Bugs Bunny lookalike Responses: 107 More Headlines 00:22 Syria: We condemn Mughniyah killing as a cowardly terrorist act 00:03 Hezbollah terror chief Imad Mughniyah killed in Damascus blast 02:07 Bush orders expansion of sanctions against Syria 22:00 PMO denies Israeli role in Imad Mughniyah's death 00:20 Olmert to Shas: No talks underway on division of Jerusalem 21:34 U.S. Secretary Rice plans March visit to Israel, Palestinian Authority 21:06 New Hamas TV show features 'Jew-eating' Bugs Bunny lookalike 01:52 CLS Bank: Shekel to become fully convertible in three months 23:25 Iran introduces uranium gas in new-generation centrifuges 00:29 Sarkozy says will visit Israel this spring for state's 60th anniversary 20:18 Israel takes dozens of foreign ambassadors to Gaza border 20:58 Tel Aviv man sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for trafficking in women 22:44 Residents of north: Israel has declared Jihad on us 15:45 Court okays soldier's 15-month jail term for Hebron rampage Previous Editions Select Day 13 feb 12 feb 11 feb 10 feb 08 feb 07 feb 06 feb 05 feb 04 feb 03 feb 01 feb 31 jan

Special Offers Advertisement Fattal Hotel Chain Perfectly located hotels on best resorts of Israel. ISRAEL BONDS Build Israel Israel bonds - a multi-purpose way to celebrate Israel's 60th Dead Sea Salt Beauty and skin care from the Dead Sea. Coupon code HAARETZ for 10% off! Eldan Rent a Car Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on all online reservations U.S. CITIZEN IN ISRAEL Register now to vote in national election. Do not wait. Junkyard Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt

Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Underground | Site rules |

© Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved