CHINA: Israeli Foreign Minister speaks about preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons during a visit to China, adding that an Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear facilities is still a possibility if negotiations fail

Record ID: 397375

  • Title: CHINA: Israeli Foreign Minister speaks about preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons during a visit to China, adding that an Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear facilities is still a possibility if negotiations fail
  • Date: 17th March 2012
  • Summary: BEIJING, CHINA (MARCH 16, 2012) (REUTERS) ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER AVIGDOR LIEBERMAN WALKING INTO NEWS BRIEFING JOURNALISTS SEATED (SOUNDBITE) (English) ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER, AVIGDOR LIEBERMAN, SAYING: "We had a long discussion. I explained our position, and I think that, as I mentioned, it's crucial to clarify our position to China. And I hope that they understand
  • Embargoed: 1st April 2012 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: China, China
  • Country: China
  • Topics: International Relations,Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA2M49N0UHPVRU75UIQEGSWDWFI
  • Story Text: Israel's Foreign Minister said on Friday (March 16) that he had asked China to understand his county's stance on preventing Iran developing nuclear weapons during a visit to Beijing.
    In a news briefing following a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi, Avigdor Lieberman said it was important that his country made its position to China, which he called a key player.
    "We had a long discussion. I explained our position, and I think that, as I mentioned, it's crucial to clarify our position to China. And I hope that they understand our concerns, our problems, and we will continue this dialogue," he said.
    When asked, Lieberman did not say how China had responded.
    Last week, China joined the United States, Russia, Britain, France and Germany in urging Iran to promptly allow the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) into its Parchin military complex, where some believe it is developing nuclear weapons.
    Their joint call demonstrated firmer resolve among the powers on Iran and the widening disquiet about the nature of Tehran's nuclear ambitions, with Israel threatening last-ditch military action.
    China has repeatedly urged a negotiated solution to the dispute over Tehran's atomic activities, and has resisted Western efforts to exert pressure on Iran by imposing sanctions on its oil exports, much of which flow to China.
    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel would give sanctions on Iran a chance to work and would not attack its nuclear installations in the coming days or weeks.
    But Israel, believed to harbour the Middle East's only nuclear arsenal, has asked the United States for advanced "bunker-buster" bombs and refuelling planes that could improve its ability to attack Iran's underground nuclear sites.
    "We prefer that the international community will resolve all Iranian issue through talks five plus one, through some negotiations, sanctions, etceteras. But if not, I think it's our right to protect ourselves, to defend ourselves, and as I mentioned, we keep all options on the table," said Lieberman.
    Iran, which rejects Western accusations that its nuclear programme is a covert bid to develop atomic bombs, has dismissed suspicions aired about Parchin as "ridiculous" and "childish".
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