- Title: RUSSIA: Israeli president Peres welcomes Obama win, expects action on Iran
- Date: 7th November 2012
- Summary: MOSCOW, RUSSIA (NOVEMBER 7, 2012) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES BUILDING RUSSIAN COAT OF ARMS ON BUILDING ISRAELI PRESIDENT SHIMON PERES PREPARING TO TALK TO JOURNALISTS (SOUNDBITE) (English) ISRAELI PRESIDENT SHIMON PERES, SAYING: "I think it was a real democratic campaign with ups and downs. I think that two candidates tried to keep it in a very fair
- Embargoed: 22nd November 2012 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Russian Federation
- Country: Russia
- Topics: International Relations,Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA1Q3GKS11619CFZ1B93U9E49H7
- Story Text: Israel's President Shimon Peres welcomes Barack Obama's re-election, hopes Obama will follow tough words on Iran with action.
Israeli President Shimon Peres praised U.S. President Barack Obama's re-election on Wednesday (November 7) and said he believed Obama would follow through on promises to try to control Iran's nuclear programme.
Peres made the comments during a visit to Moscow.
"I think it was a real democratic campaign with ups and downs. I think that two candidates tried to keep it in a very fair way. For that reason I think that the victory of Obama is a real victory," Peres said.
"I believe that President Obama, whom I happen to know and admire and have the highest regard for him, is a thinking person. I believe what he says is what he means and intends. I do believe that his eyes are fixed on the future," he said.
The Democratic president's re-election ensures continuity in U.S. foreign policy but leaves open questions such as whether diplomacy can constrain Iran's nuclear programme or whether Israel or the United States might resort to air strikes.
The United States and Israel, which regards a nuclear-armed Iran as a threat to its existence, have also hinted at the possibility of military strikes against Iran.
In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly in September, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that a decision on force could come by next spring.
Obama has said the United States will "do what we must" to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and has repeatedly said that all options are on the table.
"I do believe he'll do whatever he can to reduce the dangers of terror, of war. And what he said about Iran he will do. I am convinced completely. The responsibilities that are falling on his shoulders are not simple," Peres said.
Iran denies U.S. accusations that it seeks to develop nuclear weapons under cover of its civilian atomic program, saying its programme is for peaceful uses such as generating electricity and producing medical isotopes.
Talks between the major powers and Iran on a diplomatic solution are expected to resume, possibly as early as this month. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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