G-8 'fully believes' Israel will attack Iran, says Italy PM
World leaders meet in Ontario for two days of talks, urge Iran to 'respect rule of law' and 'hold transparent dialogue' over its nuclear program.
By Yossi Melman Tags: Iran nuclear Israel newsWorld leaders "believe absolutely" that Israel may decide to take military action against Iran to prevent the latter from acquiring nuclear weapons, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said Saturday.
“Iran is not guaranteeing a peaceful production of nuclear power [so] the members of the G-8 are worried and believe absolutely that Israel will probably react preemptively,” Berlusconi told reporters following talks with other Group of Eight leaders north of Toronto.
 |
Members of the G-8 meeting in Huntsville, Ontario on June 25, 2010 |
| Photo by: AP |
The leaders of the G-8, which comprises Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, Canada and the United States, devoted much of their two-day session to discussion of the contentious nuclear programs unfolding in North Korea and Iran.
The leaders issued a statement on Saturday calling on Iran to "respect the rule of law" and to "hold a "transparent dialogue" over its nuclear ambitions.
In their communiqué, the leaders of the world's richest countries said they respected Iran's right to a civilian nuclear program, but noted that such a right must be accompanied by commitment to international law.
"We are profoundly concerned by Iran's continued lack of transparency regarding its nuclear activities and its stated intention to continue and expand enriching uranium, including to nearly 20 percent," they said in a communique.
"Our goal is to persuade Iran's leaders to engage in a transparent dialogue about its nuclear activities and to meet Iran's international obligations," adding that they urged the Islamic Republic "to implement relevant resolutions to restore international confidence in the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program."
Their conclusions followed Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's declaration late last week that Tehran was prepared to lay down its conditions to the international community regarding discussion of its nuclear program.
Why Facebook Connect?
Comment on Haaretz.com articles with your Facebook login, and share your thoughts on your own wall.
- Latest
- Most Viewed
- Most Rated
- Open all
I doubt that this is so, or there would have been no point in imposing sanctions rather than taking military action (by NATO, at least). What we know now is that Iran knows how to enrich Uranium to 20%, and that they have enriched enough Uranium to 3.5% so that if they continue to enrich it to 70% or so, they will have enough for 2 nuclear bombs in a year. So far, The Iranians are under IAEA watch, and are not going through that high enrichment program. Would they change their mind due to sanction pressure? Perhaps, or maybe not, but this will become known due to IAEA inspection. In the meantime, let us consider alternatives to a military attack.
What a load of rubbish. Israel does not attack strong countries, they will wait for Iran to be weakened by sanctions before they even dream of an attack. Israel only makes war against weak uarmed.
I don't understand why Israel is dragging its feet. It has nothing to fear. Go ahead and bomb: Obama will say it's "unacceptable," Hillary will say it's "unhelpful," America's vassal states will parrot them, and we can then all move on to Israel's next fuck-up.
The total war of the mullahs' false prophecies demand a regional war with nuclear fire as the precursor to cleansing the land of non-believers so that some messianic figure can return and give the Persians their final and everlasting rule over that region. Crazy as it sounds, it is what the Islamic regime of Iran believes and is striving towards. War is inevitable, striking now will save lives.
Attacking Iran will be be totally disastrous for isreal. Isreal could not defeat hezbollah or Hamas who aren't even considered to be a regular army. Iran has strong,well organised,equipped army,air force and navy. Isreal if you want to attack iran make sure you are fully prepared for the end result.
God bless Israel
the G-8 members for serving as the "diversion/deflection tool" for the "richest countries" of the world! Is it me, or the "leaders" totally sidestepped the main goal of such meetings, which is coming up with solutions to the dismal economic morass their countries are sunk into?!!! Instead they talked about Iran and the fictitious Israeli attack on Iran! Iran is emerging as the best thing that happened to these confused leaders who seem to be helpless solving the economic disasters their respective nations are involved in. But then, what else is new?
first of all,let me say that i dont wish a war should happen.but,if it does happen,thanks to an israeli strike on iran,triggered by cowards like berlusconi and sarkozy,the israelis would be in a very difficult position.even the usa will not be able to save the day for the israelis.it could turn out to be good-bye "israel". iran is too strong and influential in the ME for anyone to think it would simple be a picnic to strike iran.we are talking here of hell fire.all of palestine is too small to accomodate that fire,believe me.if iran is attacked,expect 4-5 fronts:gaza,lebanon,syria,iran and who knows?possibly erdogan's turkey.and ofcourse,the iraqis would rise and afghanistan would be in trouble for the nato.the middle east countries and the gulf would suffer.american bases would definitely be under attack and so would those countries giving passage or aiding an attack on iran.the world cant survive that scenario. i dont want to be sleeping in darkness or trecking miles,as there would be no fuel.but as the saying goes,there is blessing in every evil.maybe this would lead to the appearance of the Mahdi and Jesus (peace be upon them both). as for the nuclear program,everyone knows its peaceful.also its only hypocrisy to talk against iran's INTENTIONS when they that are talking have nukes.
THIS. IS. SPAAAAARTAAAA *kicks*
Is laid out in the NPT (which includes a statement that NPT members who meet their obligations under the NPT have the absolute right to have an enrichment program) and detailed in this document http://www.iaea.org/Publications/Documents/Infcircs/Others/infcirc153.pdf and Iran is more in compliance with that than the US and France are.
This is what the G8 said: "The leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States have demanded that Iran has transparent talks on its nuclear aspirations, while at the same time condemning North Korea's alleged sneak attack on a South Korean warship, the Cheonan. The group has also called on Israel to loosen its grip on Gaza and has urged Afghanistan to step up efforts to take charge of its own security." The North American papers did not mention what was said about Israel. Stephen Harper, the Prime Minister of Canada, forced the subject on the agenda about Iran and North Korea which was completely out of place and is a matter dealt with at the United Nations, but the visitors tried not to insult their host. Canadians wish they had.
The Iranians have the knowledge and no bombing canever destry that.....neither does iran have the power even with the USA 's backing...which i dout it will give
"The leaders of the G-8, which comprises Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, and the United States," Uh, The G8 is being held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, so I'm pretty sure Canada is part of the G8, just saying...
Once Iran is taken out by Israel, all the ME to FE rogue terror organizations supported by Iran will be left without support and the US will come out victorious in Iraq, Afganistan, etc. End to Hamas, Hizballah Al-Qaeda and the rest will be the ultimate outcome of eliminating Iran.
they are terrified about the prospect of a nuclear iran, yet they are terrified of joining a coalition that would take out iran's nuclear capabilities. they spend their time obsessing and condemning israel on a daily basis, yet they rely on israel to confront iran.
...a deterent against the rampage of threats against them....
I totally disagree with the comment made by Natallie Durson. The only reason that Israel had a difficult time with the 2006 Lebanese campaign was because they were more considerate towards protecting human life, in contrast to Hezbollah who didn’t care about their fellow countrymen and hid their weapons in schools and mosques. As for Iran, no such passion will exist. However let it be known that Israel will target only the nuclear sites and not the populated areas. They will bring down the sites that need to be put down. Negative fallout will emerge mainly from countries with large Muslim population. But it will be an hypocritical fallout for deep in the hearts, these western nations will be thrilled that Israel kicked Iran's ass and showed them that Israel remains and is indeed the last bastion of freedom in preventing Islam from taking over the world.
LMAO reading your post. I was in London last week and I saw more practicing muslims there than you see in today's Tehran. I'm afraid you might wanna start in your backyard. Although your chances of succeeding appear to be slim. The mulsims have taken over your own country...... With that out of the way, your ignorance in abound. All of the nuke sites are near population areas, so any attack by Israel will result in massive deaths (in the millions). You might wanna check out your own Oxford Research Group's published research on an attack on Iran and be bedazzled and enlightened before making embarrassing comments. And your cheering on the deaths of INNOCENT Iranians only reminded me of the many times the Persians came to the rescue of the Jews throughout history. What a wise and humane take on your part! Last but not the least, why don't you focus your energy on improving your land's water pressure. It's pretty pathetic for a so-called western country!!! LOL
Just for the record, Israel killed over a thousand civilians in the 2006 war. Hizbollah killed forty three. In the final two days of the war, when all the shooting had stopped, Israel dropped thousands of cluster bombs all over south lebanon. These bombs killed a further 35 civilians after the end of the war, including several bomb disposal people. During the course of the war, Israel targetted gas stations, banks, radio and television, highways, bridges, the airport and the oil tanks. You seem both ignorant and confused over Israel and the 2006 war. I recommend that you read Haaretz and learn before you vent your ignorance to the world.
Is that like the only permanence is change. When you have to get world leaders together that only come to the conclusion that "absolutely" Israel "May" attack Iran? "Maybe" we "absolutely" don't need their kind of leadership. I do know if Iran gets Nukes they "absolutely" will find a way to use them against their enemies, no "maybes" about it. Of course Iran will find a proxy to deliver such a weapon and use it, since, as we all know , they hire out people to die for them (i.e. Hamas, Hezbollah etc.) they use these mercenaries to fight there battles allowing Iran the plausible deniability it needs for the world stage. So the G8 agreed to this ridiculous statement of the "absolute maybe" with regards to Israel, without addressing in any meaningful way the Iranian threat. Which BTW is an "absolute" not a "maybe".
from Berlusconi means he absolutely believes, maybe completely, in being honest and transparent in business and politics
Is it time to build bomb shelters or get rid of the Likudnics forcing this phoney armegeddon? The Italians can't be trusted. In Afghanistan they bribed the Taliban and left their replacements to pay with blood.
Besides Neither Nato nor the Arab Countries wanna be in the Middle of such stupidity.
...now that the once great Russia (the equilibrium we thought we could depend on in this world) has been persuaded by BIG MONEY and a burger, I would advise Iran to go Nuclear ...build the bomb, how worse can it get for them if they do? Surely not looking good for Iran by not building one or two …or fifty - join the Nuclear Club ...maybe some people will start to think a little differently. Medvedev the village boy, the once friend of the free-thinkers, has gone "West" looking for his step-father in the big city and have found new "friends" now ...so watch-out homies, watch your back. we will not have a better world; I feel we have lost the fight - New World Order has won or do we fight on?
He says stuff like that just for show...He wants money or some business link...Israel is doomed with friends like Berlesconi..He will give you enough rope to hang yourslef...Don't listen to him...
Israel will have to do the dirty work,because the whole of the "g-8" are a bunch of appeasers,cowards,moslembrownosers,that should have stoped iran 10 years ago...They did not because they were making a lot of money from iran,with OIL,and selling arms and nuclear technology to the mad dogs...Now Israel will have to go alone and confront the Frankenstein the g-8 built
You got a problem with Iran? Do something about it! The USA needs to stay in its own hemisphere, we're stretched thin enough trying to defend Israel's security in the middle east. Why do you think we have a base on just about every one of your surrounding countries?
Tou're right.The USA is stretched too thin and could not afford another campaign....BUT ISRAEL ALWAYS FOUGHT ITS OWN BATTLES. IN 1947/48,INSPITE OPF AN ARMS EMBARGO IMPOSED BY TRUMAN,IN 1956,IN 1967 INSPITE OF KENNEDY SELLING 3 TANKS TO ISRAEL,WHILE THE RUSSIANS EQUIPED THE egyptians and the syrians,,,IN 1973,IN 1982,ETC...WHILE THE USA SACRIFICED MORE THANM 55000THOUSAND IN KOREA AND ANOTHER 55000THOUSAND IN VIETNAM,,THE ONLY AMERICAN WARRIOR SACRIFICED FOR ISRAEL,WAS THE ISRAELI GENERAL DAVID MARKUS(AN AMERICAN COLONEL).BTW,HE WAS THE FIRST AMERICAN OFFICER TO JUMP INTO OCCUPIED FRANCE ON D-DAY...
Possibly because you have 150 bases around the World. That's 75% of the World we're talking about
in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt. But feel free to make up any "facts" you like.
But take the fallout on your own. Bye bye.
You promise Labhras? Please go away.
I read your comments about the Jewish community in Rome. Israel needs to change its behavior. They avoid this by incorrectly, an unfairly, attributing all criticism to Anti Semitism. (my guess is less then 5% of criticism is basd on anti semitism. When actual anti semites like yourself(again, I read your comments about the Popes visit to Rome synagogue) become the most vociferious, it just delays the changes that Israel needs to make. Perhaps that's what you want?
Iran will obliterate Israel if it is attacked.
Iran will not be the only place where missiles will be fired from onto Israel. Israel has created so many enemies with its occupation and bully boy wars that it will soon commit suicide. Only the true israelis can stop this from happening but i fear they are too few and too quiet.
Ali tink with your head, not your heart. As an x colonel in the Soviet army with 30 years of military service I can tell you exactly what will happen, If Iran insists on developing nucklear wepon, Israel will attack, destroy Iran's nucklear reactor plus some military bases. Iran will retalate and missiles will be fired at Israel, for about a month Israel will fight a conventional war, after which it will warn Iran to ceas if Iran persists a nucklear weapon will be fired at Iran. End of war, world will scream but do nothing, might even thank Israel on the quiet. Israel achieves her objective.
Who is to judge when a country is too crazy to have a reactor? OK Israel and US will judge.
Iran is no iraq nor an afghanistan. When iran is attacked isreal will be attacked simultanously From Hezbollah, Hamas, Syria, All nato bases will be attacked in iraq and afghanistan. All israeli interests will be dismantled. As soviet era chief, you are probably aware what your fate was in afghanistan, by people that were only amed with klasnikovs.
Iran should leave NPT at least until Israel submits to it as well. Where are the sanctions for Israel's secretive nuclear arms program??
Iran should pull out of NPT and let all of us know they want to blow us to smithereens with nukes. The intent is there (and so are the proxies), the mullahs are crazy and we may not have much time before a regional war whether we like it or not .
Better not believe in something that cannot happen. You can express such beliefs in a church or synagogue, but not in the real world. Israel has no access to Iran., and destroying the many nuclear facilities there will require many sorties. The latest news (from Iran) were that Saudi Arabia is giving Israel an airbase for the attack. I suppose it is a veiled threat to destroy the Saudi oil fields in case of an attack. Just forget an Israeli attack.
...now that the once great Russia (the equilibrium we thought we could depend on in this world) has been persuaded by BIG MONEY and a burger, I would advise Iran to go Nuclear ...build the bomb, how worse can it get for them if they do? Surely not looking good for Iran by not building one or two …or fifty - join the Nuclear Club ...maybe some people will start to think a little differently. Medvedev the village boy, your once friend, has gone "West" looking for his step-father in the big city and have found new "friends" now ...so watch-out homies we will not have a better world; I feel we have lost the fight - New World Order has won or do we fight on?
i am sort of disappointed in myself for responding to your thread, but i just had to to say that your humor is from the 80's and that you sound like u just got off the boat.
How long is the world going to go on listening to the lies coming from President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's lying mouth?
I am not a believer in the prospective Israeli attack upon Iran. There is way to much risk and fallout in exchange for a POSSIBLE delay in Irans program. Having said that, I would like to see Israel attempt such an attack if only to see how it plays out. Israels efforts fell far short of expactations in the 2006 war. I think an attack on Iran would be worse for Israel. Israel simply hasn't the ability let alone the nerve to undertake such an attack single handed. When the Americans last attacked Iran, they lost men and equipment and were defeated by the desert and their bad plan without even facing the Iranians.
because you are such the expert on Israel. your day in and day out anti israel rants, which haaretz supports, are tiresome. you are a bigot. come on haaretz print this! prove to us israelis that we should still buy your trashy anti israel rag!
Israel silicon valley, airport, ports, dimona, stock market, banks, telecoms, exports, jobs, tourism... For a long time. The only way to defeat Iran is to Make Peace with the Arabs and allow the Creation of an independent Palestinian Statre. Israel should not count on the Saudi Monarchy. They are unable, even if they dream of it.
Your not the victim any more this is not the 1940's. Times have changed and people have woken up to the real threat in this world.
yes this is not the 1940s. we jews have a home and an oganized and powerful army/ bigots like you hate that.
State of Israel is US military base. If that is the case, which I doubt, that means America wants to attack Iran. I am not sure if Obama would want to have a third war in the region in her hand. At this point Obama needs Iran more than Iran need Obama. For those warmongers, dream on.
when anna dina jade says she wants to wipe israel off the map ,israel got the right to strike against iran,and as for the united nation? they are a bunch of useless bureauctrats,! ! israel thou can do it. and thank you for the 12 points we love you
Is this announcement an "all in" western support for Israel to attack or more psych opps? Israel cannot attack unless it has the backing of the West and/or Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iraq. Otherwise, it is logistically impossible - unless of course it's planes are using US aircraft carriers in Persian Gulf or Sea of Oman. Dolphin subs in Persian Gulf waters don't have the fire power unless they use nukes.
Ah, no. The only thing for which Berlusconi should be taken seriously is when it comes to recommendations for a good Call Girl.
i think berlusconi's achievements in life make you a midget in comparison....try some perspective
Why no sanctions against Israel then?Since when is it "rule of law" to pre-emptive strike? Or Does the Bush doctrine only apply to Israel and the USA? Iraq was invaded for non-existent nukes in round one will the sheep just watch it happen again in Iran? Who new Dr. Strangelove came from Israel? PEACE EVER?
Kuwait was the first to condemn Israel in 1981, and blessed Israel in 1991.
Kuwait was the first to condemn Israel in 1981, and blessed Israel in 1991.
Israel is holding the world over a barrel, like a whining child that is denied his grocery store candy. Israel will throw a big tantrum and has much of the United States falling over itself to protect Israel from Israel. But in the end Israel is on the way out as a regional leader. Israel will adjust by killing as many people as possible as usual but even this wont stop Israel's slide to world irrelevance..
You need to read-up on this subject instead of listening to rubbish in the news.
The middle east conflict is not all that complicated. Think of it like the United States of America trying to displace and demonize the native American populations during its colonization of America. As you can see I understand this conflict completely , now you.
no way in the world the arabs let israel live in peace.
Yesterday, youths in black clothes and faces covered casued damage in Toronto. They damaged 6 police cars and smashed windows.
How is this relevant to the article?
If Israel is considered the only democratic country in the region and the most advanced as well then let it be an example to the countries around it including Iran. Doing so includes obeying the international law which their not hence how do you expect Iran and others to obey the international law if Israel is constantly loading up weapons and breaking peaceful solutions.
and do their work for them. I mean sanctions, would not be needed and all that diplomatic effort. Iran is the world's problem not just Israel. And they have plenty of bases near to Iran. But I guess bravado is one thing trying to make others take the cake for you another.
I don't believe this, but if true, Israel must be neutralized as a threat to world peace. Surely Haaretz is not turning into the Jerusalem Post. The US would NEVER allow this crazy strike.
How would the US prevent an Israeli strike?
threat to world peace? israel has been attacked on 7 different occasions, each time they have been faced with their existence being exterminated. See in normal war, if they would have lost, they would have lost and been p.o.w's and lost their land - Do you think there arab neighbors would keep them alive. They hate jews lady, wake up
Seven existential attacks? Nonsense! You've been reading too much Zionist propaganda. The only 'Arab' attack was the 1973 one, and it didn't even try to reach Israel. Israel started all the other wars. Jews have lived among Arabs for more than 1,000 years. How did they survive if they were hated as much as you foolishly believe? Arabs don't hate Jews, they hate Israel - with good reason.
Seven existential attacks? Nonsense! You've been reading too much Zionist propaganda. The only 'Arab' attack was the 1973 one, and it didn't even try to reach Israel. Israel started all the other wars. Jews have lived among Arabs for more than 1,000 years. How did they survive if they were hated as much as you foolishly believe? Arabs don't hate Jews, they hate Israel - with good reason.
what law are you talking about? the one that kills people in international water, occupation, assassination, forgery, killing children, etc.... I am totally against my government and what they are doing, but you just don't get it!!! Attacking my country brings all of us behind the shittty government we have. Why don't you leave the Ahmadinejad alone for awhile. He just talks and talks. Soon we will change this "Islamic" government. Leave it up to us, not foreigners. Never in million years, we sit and see our country is being attack by Israel or any other country. I have no problem personally with Israel or Jewish people. I hate to get behind my government for this reason alone. I cant stand them, but don't force us to it.
I would very like to see that Aryen is right and enjoy friendly relations with Iran; there was a good friendly relation betwen Israel and Iran' why not again? So, do it. Change this radical government
If it is true, this must be the nuttiest commends ever made by major world powers.
I agree with you, if Israel attacks Iran, they will be doomed.
I watched the testimony of Iranians on Cspan asking why America does not support your movement. A few million for computer programs and a secure sattelite could protect you. Israel should work to establish such a network. The governments that kill, deport, and attempt to silence all opposition are themselves the ones left rejected by the court of public opinion.
You won't stand up to your government either for fear they will extract your tongue or amputate a body part. Your country does all that you claim Israel to do in your first sentence - yet your people are complacent. Your country has called for the destruction of Israel and the Jewish people, using Palestine as an excuse. Your country hates the Palestinians and has done nothing to prove otherwise. Aryen, you speak with two tongues.
I see you are still using the word "your country". It is the government not the people. Yes, they are killing and amputating hands, i agree with you. But you need to read the rest of my comment. My "country has never called the "destruction of Israel and the Jewish people" phrase. This is your politician words day after day, misinterpretation of damn Ahmadinijad. Again, yes you maybe right the government wants this, but not the people. They are cutting hands, it is my hand not yours. We will take care of it eventually, leave it up to us. Dont try to police the world. Your country is too young and inexperienced.
Go ahead and read both your own and Aryen's posts and try to pretend you're some one else doing so. And then go find some corner to cry for the lack of basic humanity in yourself. You are so bent out of shape convoluted in your views! You and your likes radicalize your enemies and alienate your friends. You should gape in horror when you mistake your friends with your enemies.
You quote;"Your country is too young and inexperienced."! To the best of my knowledge, your new Iran was born in 1979. The great Persia is there no more except in some ruins and history books. Israel was born in 1948, yet it carries more than 5.700 years of knowledge that is practiced everyday in a democracy. My heart is with the real people who seek freedom. Good luck.
well, to best of your knowledge you are wrong. We have Persian blood in us and who says we were born in 1979. Stop changing the subject. Is this your best defense against my comment. I think you should grow up and act like an adult. I have never denied the Jewish history.
Israel has gone over the edge. I am afraid their nuclear arsenal in now in play.
Perhaps what AryenPersian is trying to say is as follows: Iran total MALE population between the ages of 15 and 64 67,37,517 - GDP 876 Billion - Economic Growth running at 2.6% based on 2009 estimates (Source CIA Fact Book Iran) Israel - Total Male and Female (your military service is universal to both sexes) between the ages of 15 - 64 5.5 million, GDP 306.8 Billion - Economic growth running at .5 % annually. (Source CIA Fact Book Israel) If Israel attacks Iran they will undermine the Iranian moderates who desperately seek to change the current status quo. An attack will place the entire population solidly behind the ruling government because it will become a survival issue. Does little Israel, even with its superior military want this kind of anger directed towards it? The Israeli economy is barely holding its own what will happen if it ends up with an incredibly expensive war on its hands? Will an attack on Iran be so provocative that other nations like Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon etc follow suite? Does Israel have enough friends left to survive a regional conflict. In terms of the US constant wars have been wreaking havoc on our budgets. Without a green light on our side Israel might find itself alone. The unintended consequences of a pre-emptive strike on Iran would cause not just a ripple through the middle east but a "tectonic shift" that Israel may not survive. I think our Persian friends on the board are saying they don't want to see that happen. That in point of fact they want the opportunity to change their government on their own. Strike and you will undermine and negate the pain and struggle that has been unfolding in Iran over the last year.
Iran has smart people who are not brainwashed. We don't want to kill them. I expect a statement from a reliable US source dismissing this report as nonsense.
The last time Israel was friendly with Iran was when it was stealing Iranian oil under the Shah.