Ramon: Israel need not fear Obama's plan to talk to Iran

Vice Premier Haim Ramon said on Wednesday that Israel had nothing to fear from United States President Barack Obama's stated intention to talk to Iran.

"Let's not fear President Obama," Ramon told Israel Radio, speaking a day after Obama was sworn in as the 44th U.S. president.

Ramon said the talks should not be a cause of concern, since Obama intended to use them in order to tell Tehran that it would not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.

In reference to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the vice premier added: "I am convinced that President Obama and his team want to achieve what is essential to Israel - two states for two peoples."

Ramon's comments came as Iran's Foreign Minister urged Obama to change American policies in the Middle East but said Iran will wait before making any specific judgments about the new president's positions on Iran.

On Tuesday, outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert congratulated Obama upon his inauguration, saying he expects Israeli-American relations to become even stronger.

"We wish the incoming President success in his office and are certain that we will be full partners in advancing peace and stability in the Middle East," Olmert said in a statement.