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Last update - 01:59 18/03/2008 Merkel offers 'tough, decisive' language on Iran nuke program By Barak Ravid and Anshel Pfeffer, Haaretz Correspondents Tags: Iran, Angela Merkel, Israel  After a touching visit to Sde Boker on Sunday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel's diplomatic mission turned into a full-fledged embrace Monday. The show of support by Merkel and her ministers reached its climax in a joint meeting with the Israeli cabinet. But most encouraging of all were the comments she made in an earlier meeting with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert about Iran. Merkel's remarks about the Iranian nuclear program in that meeting were described by several of those present as being "tough and decisive." During their joint press conference, Olmert and Merkel said their countries were united in their concern over Iran's nuclear ambitions, and that they agree on the need to stop its enrichment of uranium. Advertisement Olmert said the two countries view Iran's continued efforts to develop nuclear arms very similarly - "with grave concern." He said they also agree about the need to continue taking action to halt Iran's nuclear program. Speaking after Olmert, Merkel, who is on her third visit here, said that Germany considers the threats against Israel as "threats against us" as well. "We agree that we must do all we can to put as much pressure as possible on Iran, through Security Council measures and also through talks within the European Union," she added. "Germany is counting on a diplomatic solution. We're counting on a solution in which as many [countries] as possible are included. Iran must show that it is not working on a nuclear [weapons] program," she said. Merkel and Olmert co-chaired the historic joint session of the German and Israeli cabinets, at which the two governments signed off on a range of projects in the fields of education, the environment and defense. The two sides also agreed to hold such meetings once a year, alternating as hosts. This was the first time the two countries' cabinets had met for joint consultations, and the first time the German government has held a joint cabinet session with a country from outside Europe. As opposed to at most Israeli cabinet meetings, the ministers were quiet and paid careful attention to all the speakers. German ministers were generous with their praise of Israel and its economy and sciences. "When you're talking about relations with any country, it's a very impressive event," Olmert said of the meeting. "But when it's relations between the state of Israel and Germany, it's something with content, significance and symbolism that are incomparably deep." A joint statement issued afterward said the two sides are seeking to "strengthen and intensify their political, cultural, economic and social relations as a partnership of democratic and pluralistic nations." Germany already has similar arrangements with France, Italy, Spain, Poland and Russia. However, this is the first time Israel has entered into such an arrangement. One of Israel's top European allies The new cooperation deal underscores Germany's role as one of Israel's staunchest political allies in Europe. The countries established diplomatic relations in 1965. Today, Germany is Israel's second biggest trading partner, after the United States. Merkel also visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem Monday, the second day of her three-day visit, which was made in honor of Israel's 60th anniversary. Accompanied by Olmert and eight ministers from each government, she attended a memorial service there for the six million Jews killed by the Nazis during World War II. Referring to the historic joint Israeli-German cabinet session, Merkel signed Yad Vashem's guest book with the following statement: "In recognition of Germany's responsibility for the Shoah, the German government underlines with the first German-Israeli consultations its determination for a joint shaping of the future." Despite requests from Holocaust survivors' organizations, Merkel did not meet with them. Her spokesman said that scheduling pressures left no time for such a meeting. Another issue that is not expected to arise during the visit is the reopening of the 1952 Reparations Agreement - something that Pensioner Affairs Minister Rafi Eitan had demanded three months ago. Merkel made it clear in interviews with the Israeli media before her visit that this issue will not be under discussion. Related articles: Olmert accompanies Merkel to Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial Jordanian Islamists: Merkel runs risk of igniting `enmity` of Arabs Georgian Israelis to Merkel: Don't block NATO entry Bookmark to del.icio.us   My three homelands French Vogue chose Lizzie Doron as one of Israel's influential authors. President Barghouti Jailed Tanzim leader says he's considering running in next PA presidential elections.   1.   Tough language on Iran 05:50  |  Fed Up 18/03/08   2.   Merkel: Ask about Israeli nukes as well! 06:24  |  james 18/03/08   3.   Words that lack teeth 07:02  |  Adel 18/03/08   4.   "Ask about Israeli Nukes as Well"/James 07:45  |  Gary 18/03/08   5.   How funny it is? 08:24  |  Oscar 18/03/08   6.   No to Iran`s nuclear program. 09:06  |  Jean Van Daem 18/03/08   7.   The Germans don`t even pull their weight in Afghanistan 09:41  |  Clickfool 18/03/08   8.   Poor German Leader, gut-less? 09:46  |  Dav 18/03/08   9.   clickfull #7 12:00  |  OTTO 18/03/08   10.   Politics 12:43  |  Oscar 18/03/08   11.   Merkrl`s Tough Language on Iran 23:15  |  Hans 18/03/08   12.   Oh yeah Iranians are so scared now! 00:59  |  IRAN#1 19/03/08   13.   To IRAN#1 03:14  |  Hans 19/03/08

Today Online Merkel to Knesset: Germany will always stand by Israel Responses: 118 Slain Jihad leader's son: My entire family has turned Hezbollah Responses: 146 9-year-old Sderot rocket victim faces life after losing leg Responses: 49 Amir Oren: John McCain - For Israel, best of all candidates Responses: 76 Rabbi stabbed in neck in East Jerusalem terror attack Responses: 65 Rosner's Domain McCain rep to Jewish crowd: Christian right 'serious problem' Were Shakespeare's Plays Written By A Jewish Woman? (WTR) Rosner's Mailbox: I used to believe that you just hated Hillary Poll: Is the "road map" still relevant? Did Iraq have ties to Al Qaeda? (WTR) More Headlines 02:29 Israel, Egypt negotiating long-term Gaza cease-fire 21:08 Merkel to Knesset: Germany will always stand by Israel 01:38 Merkel condemns Qassams but ignores Israel's wrongdoing 23:56 At least 12 Palestinians wounded in IAF strike in Gaza 23:00 Egyptian president warns Israel: No occupation lasts forever 02:49 Transdenominational rabbinical school to graduate its first class 23:52 MK Haim Oron to become next Meretz chairman after primaries win 02:56 Rubinstein Piano Competition / A perfect Haydn in stage II 21:46 McCain to Peres: My concern over Iranian threat has increased 20:51 Hamas ready to accept Yemeni initiative for reconciliation with Fatah 23:33 In somber speech, Obama seeks to stem tide of racial division 11:27 Jailed Barghouti mulls running for Palestinian presidency Previous Editions Select Day 18 mar 17 mar 16 mar 14 mar 13 mar 12 mar 11 mar 10 mar 09 mar 07 mar 06 mar 05 mar

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