 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Olmert tells US Congress world must confront Iranian threat
Washington (AFP) May 24, 2006 Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Wednesday addressed a joint session of the US Congress and urged the international community to tackle Iran's nuclear bid. "If we don't take Iran's bellicose rhetoric seriously now, we will be forced to take its nuclear agressions seriously later," he said. "The international community will be judged by its ability to convince nations and peoples to turn their backs on hatred and zealotry." In his rare speech, Olmert also vowed to push forward in peace efforts with the Palestinians. "I extend my hand in peace to Mahmud Abbas, elected president of the Palestinian Authority. On behalf of the state of Israel, we are willing to negotiate with a Palestinian Authority." But Olmert reiterated Israel's demand that the Hamas government in the Palestinian terroritories recognize Israel's right to exist and renounce violence. "In a few years they could be living in a Palestinian state, side by side in peace and security with Israel," Olmert declared to members of the US Senate and House of Representatives. "But no one can make it happen for them unless they refuse to make it happen for themselves." The newly-elected premier repeated Israel's commitment to the US-sponsorred roadmap to peace -- which calls for a negotiated settlement with the Palestinians -- but said Israel will not wait forever. "Our deepest wish is to build a better future for our regions, hand in hand with a Palestinian partner," he said. "But if they refuse, we will not give a terrorist regime a veto over progress, or allow it to take hope hostage." Among the audience in the House chamber was Vice President Dick Cheney, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Senator Hillary Clinton. Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Learn about nuclear weapons doctrine and defense at SpaceWar.com Learn about missile defense at SpaceWar.com All about missiles at SpaceWar.com Learn about the Superpowers of the 21st Century at SpaceWar.com
Differing US views hold up accord with Europe on Iran plan
London (AFP) May 24, 2006 Divisions between top US officials are complicating European efforts to compile a package of incentives to persuade Iran to halt its nuclear ambitions, The Financial Times reported Wednesday. |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2006 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA PortalReports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additionalcopyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
