Netanyahu urges tougher Iran sanctions, but EU wants to wait
Iran and world powers to meet in early October in order to resolve row over Tehran's nuclear program.
By Reuters Tags: Iran Israel news Iran nuclearPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday the time had come for tougher sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program, but the European Union believes such a move is best left until after negotiations.
Iran and six world powers seeking to defuse a protracted standoff over Tehran's nuclear program will apparently start talks on October 1, in what a senior U.S. official described as an "important first step".
A senior Iranian official said Iran would not negotiate on its "sovereign right" to nuclear energy but, if that were recognized, Iran was ready to discuss any issue at the talks, including ways of upholding non-proliferation globally.
"At the moment we're looking towards the possibility of a meeting between the Iranians and the 3+3 (U.S., Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany)," said Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, whose country holds the EU's rotating presidency.
"Such a meeting will take place, and then we'll have to look at the Iranian answer and see if we can go somewhat more concretely into the different details," Bildt said before chairing a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.
Netanyahu, however, called for more "effective" action, in comments appeared that to signal - amid wide speculation that Israel could opt to attack Iranian nuclear facilities - that it had not given up on international diplomacy to curb Tehran's atomic ambitions.
"I believe that now is the time to start harsh sanctions against Iran - if not now then when? These harsh sanctions can be effective," Netanyahu was quoted by a parliamentary official as telling a legislative committee.
"I believe that the international community can act effectively," he said, according to the official, who briefed reporters on Netanyahu's remarks to parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.
"The Iranian regime is weak, the Iranian people would not rally around the regime if they felt for the first time that there was a danger to their regime - and this would be a new situation," Netanyahu said.
A spokeswoman for European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana confirmed on Monday that he had talked to Iranian chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili by phone and they had agreed on a meeting on October 1.
U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu confirmed Monday in Vienna that his country would take part in the talks as well.
"This is an important first step in the discussion and one hopes for the best," Chu told reporters on the sidelines of the IAEA General Conference.
Iran's ISNA news agency said European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana and Iranian chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili had agreed to meet on Oct. 1, but that the venue had yet to be decided.
"Javier Solana and Saeed Jalili agreed in a telephone conversation ... to meet each other on Oct. 1," ISNA said.
"Both sides have agreed on holding a meeting between representatives of (the six major powers) and representatives of Iran to discuss (Tehran's) proposed package," it said, without making clear if this would be a separate meeting.
Iran last week handed over a package of proposals to the world powers, including the United States, in which Tehran said it was willing to discuss global nuclear disarmament as well as other international issues in wide-ranging talks.
But the document did not mention Iran's own nuclear program, which the West suspects is aimed at making bombs, and officials have made clear it will not be part of any such discussions.
The Islamic Republic has repeatedly said its nuclear program is for civil energy uses, not weapons.
The United States has said it will accept Iran's offer of talks despite Tehran's stated refusal to discuss its nuclear work, making clear it intended to raise the issue anyway.
U.S. President Barack Obama, who came to office pledging a policy of engagement toward Iran, has suggested it may face harsher international sanctions if it does not accept good-faith talks by the end of September.
Turkey's foreign minister said during a visit to Tehran on Sunday his country would be prepared to host talks between Iran and the world powers, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported.
The six powers - the permanent U.N. Security Council members Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, as well as Germany - offered Iran trade and diplomatic incentives in 2006 in exchange for a halt to uranium enrichment.
They improved the offer last year but retained the suspension demand, something Tehran has repeatedly ruled out as a precondition. Refined uranium can be used as fuel for nuclear power plants but also provide material for bombs.
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...but is anyone in the international community paying the slightest attention to what Netanyahu is "urging"? "What's that noise?" "Well, it's either a mosquito, or it's Israel" "Awww, not that annoying little thing again" "What? The mosquito? Or Israel?" "Same difference......"
Can Israel dictate that no country in the Middle East can have nuclear power, an energy source that will be very important in the future? Hundreds of millions of people can't have access to this because Israel, a country of six million people, says so!
israel has lots of time, too. israel knows that the obama administration will do nothing about iran.
israel will never sign.
An attack might delay Iran by a couple of years, maybe! IF they were not enriching for a bomb they certainly will after an attack. They will simply withdraw from the NNPT and be in the same position as Israel with regard to nuclear weapons. The downside is it could trigger WW111. At the very least Israel will come under Iranian attack. Consider this: If Iran really wanted to attack Israel they could easily do it with chemical and biological. Which likely they will if attacked.
President Obama was the only person bringing up the color of his skin during the campaign, he has continued to make it a focus of attention If his color had mattered, he wouldn't have been elected, since there are ten times the white folks than there are those of color
Sir, Your ability to judge morality of other nations is obviously compromised. First of all you should condemn British baby killers and airline and subway bombers - you people are out control. We should remove our shoes because of British criminals. Shame on you. The humanity should throw the shoes at you.
What would instantly and legally justify a nation leaving the NPT without any warning? How about being attacked by a nuclear power? If Israel wants to see an Iran armed with nuclear weapons then the single thing it could do which would most enable such would be to attack Iran. Does Israel have knowledge of the 'secret' and 'undetected' nuclear facilities where Iran is building the bomb? It refuses to say. The IAEA would love to know, but Israel refuses to say. IF Israel does not know where to attack, then how can it stop the program? It is no matter. Just start the war and declare 'Mission Accomplished!" After Mission Accomplished the US had destroyed the Iraqi nuclear weapons program. But then the program never existed, and the USA refused to tell the IAEA where to look. . .
Sanctions will not work with Islamist-Jihadist Fanatics. It is just giving more time for the Ayatollahs to complete their nukes.
The World wants to ensure Iran does not make nuclear weapons. Israel wants a war. Thus there is a collision course, but not between the world and Iran. Iran has repeatedly demanded 'it's rights' under the NPT. Those 'rights' allow the production of reactor fuel and operation of high flux reactors for producing medical, industrial and experimental isotopes. The world ONLY imposed 'sanctions' with the intent of bringing Iran back under the protocols of the NPT and the Additional Protocols which it observed BEFORE the Bush junta and Israel created the current crisis. Thus there is a total disconnect at this point between the world and Israel where Iran is involved. The world wants to see an Iran under the Additional Protocols and without nuclear weapons. Israel wants a war to end all talk of peace in the mideast. Israel will have to start the war alone. And only a lunatic could imagine it would win that war alone.
You fail to address Lou Medel's argument. Just because you take an emotional stand on an argument doesn't win you a conviction. Get on with the program, grow up and let go of the free-pass you've enjoyed for the last 6-7 decades and join us. Hey, you never know, you might even like it better! You cry of racism yet your claim drips loads of the same....indeed you reap what you sow buddy.....Meanwhile watch what my people (!!!)will be demonstrating to your kind and ahmadi's on Sept 23rd...blaming the victims of their oppressor?...indeed you talk the talk and walk the walk but have no clue, do you Edward of NY?
"One can argue for sanctions against Israel since it refuses to comply with UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 and many others." 242 states "(ii) Termination of all claims or states of belligerency and respect for and acknowledgement of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of every State in the area and their right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries free from threats or acts of force." Who has allowed Israel "to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries free from threats or acts of force."? Syria and Iran that supply Hamas and Hezbollah? Egypt, which allows arms into Gaza? If the resolutions called for Israel to disarm and the Arabs to re-arm I suspect that you would condemn Israel for not abiding either. As far as 338, it can not be honoured until 242 is.
...advocate the destruction of the Israeli state. Nope. He listed four irrefutable points. And instead of even bothering to try to refute even one, you instead tried to silence him for saying something he did not say. For shame Morris. Step up and write reasoned rebuttal of the four points instead.
Amidijad never said wipe Israel of the map HE never used the words Israel or map HE said Zionism will vanish from the earth . this is just more of the endless disinformation by Israel and crazy people like Pat Robertson and fox news Like Barak offered the Palestinians 90 percent of what they wanted. I must have heard that 200 times It's amazing how everybody believes something thats not true. PS Moshe Dyan made it clear Israel wanted and started the 67 war .Within hours of the cesefire Israel had bulldozers[Their favorite piece of equipment] changing the landscape at the wailling wall to provide greater acess . Bottom line is Israel wants the land more than peace
is repeatedly made againt Israel, it's certainly Israel's business NPT will work as well as the U.S. Agreement with North Korea, which doesn't work at all
There is NO evidence contrary to the sh*t scared zionists on this forum to show that Iran is building a nuclear weapon. HOWEVER - I suggest that a attack on Iran would ultimately accelerate the underground building of such a weapon, which is exactly what happened with Iraq's Power plant, and subsequent desire for nuclear weapons AFTER they were attacked by the Israelis
The EU is an unelected body under pressure from the pro-terrorist Oil Lobby. The governments and people's of Europe want to end this crisis so they can go back to work on their economy.
in Morris. As is wtih all colonialist oppressors--they have to find a boogie man to hide their crimes behind. That is what Morris is doing. But in his defense--he has hung around zionists so long , he no longer has a mind of his own. Sad how easily some people are brainwashed. BTW --you are right about the censorship.1 out of twenty of my posts get through.
Bibi can get what ever he wants from the EU, but only if he listens to what they want first. He has been behaving like a mafia style boss, not like a statesman.
What has the skin colour of the democratically elected President of the United States of America have to do with anything?
Denying the facts won't win the argument or solve the problem. It is ignorant racist people like you that have no ethical foundation that are the root of the problem. People that prey on minorities, and blame the victims for their oppressor's actions. May you reap what you sow!!!!
tigers' are the 5 powers who won WW2, at tremendous cost, plus their principal and populous adversary. Their combined military arsenal is as vast as their economic leverage (and tenacity, if push comes to shove). However, most nations start with diplomacy and gradually ratchet up the pressure, rather than leaping straight into gung-ho military action. One could maybe surmise that the world's six principal powers: a) Have some considered idea of what they're doing b) Will probably get by OK without gratuitous advice, urgings, soundbytes and general pontification from the leader of a small nation of 7m souls, and c) Would rather prefer Israel to attend firstly to its OWN responsibilities and undertakings to the UN, as it is seen by many to equal or indeed exceed Iran as a threat to the stability of the ME. PS Incidentally, after the last Lebanon war fiasco, I would not wave the 'paper tiger' label about so strenuously.
Until the day comes that Israel signs the NPT, disclosing their nuclear status and agreeing to NPT provisions, Israel has NO SAY in enforcing the NPT. Until then, enforcement of the NPT is none of Israel's business.
Israel wants sanctions on Iran, but one reason Iran is pursuing nuclear technology may be because Israel has it. One can argue for sanctions against Israel since it refuses to comply with UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 and many others. It is kind of a sick world we live in when people like Netanyahu can pontificate about sanctions.
Any attempt of Israel of doing it despite US warnings, will result in one way flight, be carful of what you wish for.
irrelevent among world leaders and that is unfortunate.
yes, let the UN meet...and why you are on the subject of breaking international law and sanctions, lets hope the UN has the sense to impose sanctions on those who break laws the most.
If you wanna have us (the "free world") move a little bit quicker on the Iran front, you better start first with moving yourself.... You know very well what is asked of you.
The damn thing didn't work because the Arabs kept on violating it, reverting to it would be repeating a mistake You should be interested about what transpired, leading up to the war http://www.sixdaywar.co.uk/timeline.htm
Iran has repeatedly threatened Israel with destruction "IRAN ? THREATS TO ISRAEL http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,484958,00.html May 25, 2007 Ahmadinejad Threatens Israel with Destruction Iran`s president is at it again, threatening Israel with destruction should it intervene in Lebanon again. The bellicosity comes as the UN nuclear watchdog warns that Iran may be as little as three years away from a nuclear weapon. It`s hardly surprising any more when Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad threatens Israel with destruction. It wasn`t so long ago that he suggested the country be moved to Alaska. Or just wiped off the map. But in a Thursday speech at Isfahan broadcast on state television, he issued a threat more direct than any that had come before. If Israel, he said, were to go to war against Lebanon again this summer, it would be destroyed. "If this year you repeat the same mistake of the last year," the Iranian president intoned, "the ocean of nations of the region will get angry and will cut the root of the Zionist regime from its stem." The speech came just hours after a report by the UN`s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warning that Iran`s ongoing enrichment of uranium meant that the country could have a nuclear bomb within three to eight years Vol XXXVI (No. 7), 27 Jul 2008
There is nothing wrong with Medel's post. It states facts. If you live by the sword you die by it. Truth be told, Israel is a warmonger and keeps bullshit stirred up around the world. It's not that a lot of people haven't noticed. Kudoes to Haaretz for being an open newspaper. I see a lot of the old posters are no longer here and the blogs are much less utilized for lively debates. I lament that development. I don't know what happened to Haaretz's blogs---they used to be quite long and active. Too much censorship probably. If Israelis can continue to post Iran should be hit, what's the problem with Israel being hit for hitting Iran?
Israel, It is priceless to have patience but does not patience wears out ?? LOOK you have this six party talks to resolved this nuclear making programe that Iran is on. - Yes ! Look what is Iran turning this coming meeting into - Iran has said that "They are not going to discuss about the Nuclear making issue". Yet what are all the fools - America, France, China, Germany and Britian - going to - to a meeting that does nothing but just buy time for Iran to complete the bomb. That is exactly what the muslim negro president wanted. So that when Iran or Syria have Nuclear Bombs these muslims will then able to speak to Europe, Japan, America with a new power. Thats what muslims want - Right? I am sure that is what this jack ass negro wanted too. Thats engineered too. So Israel whats your choice - Live in 2 state solution but the other state that is made up of Satans armies will just start another bombing and suicide against Israel - how long will peace last ??
'4. If there is a "massive war" maybe it will extinct Israel. A war-mongering nation shouldn`t be allowed to start wars.' Ha'Aretz: Mr Medel's poor use of the English language is reason enough to banish him from Talkback - but worse, yet, he seems to be advocating the extinction of Israel. He may be happy calling for a second Shoach, but I'm angry to see that such an evil suggestion was published by Ha'Aretz! There are limits to free speech, and advocating genocide goes way over the line. Please, Ha'Aretz - don't publish posts like this in the future, from Mr Medel or anyone else. MV
Netanyahu and the Gov of Israel are free to impose whatever sanctions they deem fit on Iran. They can do so only for Israel. If Israel wants Australia to impose similar sanctions, Israel will need to entice Australia to do so. The same applies getting Russia and China and India and the UK to impose sanctions. In each case, Israel needs to find something those countries want enough to impose sanctions. Netanyahu thinks that insults and intransigence will move the US government. Maybe so, but I doubt it.
Israel proposes a full withdrawal behind the greenkline of 1967, and in return the International community help Israel ensure that Iran doesn't achieve parity with it?. Why should you Mr Netanyahu sit there demanding things of the international community, when you steadfastly refuse to even consider any demands of Israel by the international community? Offer something in return and you might be surprised by our response. Keep demanding, after 8 years of war on your behalf in Afghanistan and Iraq, that we declare war on Iran. And receive the cold shoulder.
"This leaves Israel standing alone against a country that has sworn to wipe her off the map and is building the means to do so. The result will be a massive war." Edward 1. Iran never threatened Israel militarily. This "wipe Israel off the map" baloney is pure distortion. Listen to Israel's constant threats. 2. Iran is not building a bomb. Only the Jews possess them. 3. Massive War. Started by who? The Jews again? 4. If there is a "massive war" maybe it will extinct Israel. A war-mongering nation shouldn't be allowed to start wars. Salaam/Shalom
With fifth of the Israeli population Arabs, any nuclear attack on Israel would draw an extreme condemnation from all muslims, and non-muslims from around the world, followed by a worldwide embargo, and war against Iran. Mr Ahmedeenajad is not so stupid. Even if Iran wishes to obtain a nuclear bomb, then it is for the purpose of deterrency of such Terrorst states as Israel, and the ever oil eyeing US neocons.
The strategy of engaging Iran has failed for years. Effective sanctions were never deployed nor is there the prospect of ever getting the world powers to implement them. This leaves Israel standing alone against a country that has sworn to wipe her off the map and is building the means to do so. The result will be a massive war. Again, as with Hitler's Germany, the greatest enemy to world peace is the unwillingness of the world to act forcefully when necessary. Effective sanctions could have achieved this, the alternative is massive bloodshed on a scale never seen before. We need to blame the feckless policies of the Europeans and the Obama administration. If one fails to stand up for something they will need to withstand everything!
with Jewish minority. Israel as a power will be neutralized by US, in exchange for Iran's help in ME.
or on anything important in the world. Thank God for that.
The only "sanction" now is ofr Israel to take military action. It would also serve as a "wake up " to the EU and UN being the most useless and inept organizations in the history of man. Hard to wake up corpses though.
Watch Iran show "constant" progress in talks to give no excuse for any other process. Now they give a proposal, then a TV news of some sort, a phone call, a this, a that, ....
This should give Iran enough time to finish building their nuclear bomb. They know from North Korea's experience that once they have their bomb, there is nothing anyone can do. Further, the Americans leaving this mess for Israel to clean up is the biggest mistake of this century because they, and everyone else, will need to finish the job.
They have nothing to convince Iran anyway. Violence would only add to the desaster. Iranians are masters in chess, they inventred that game.