Israel, Russia agree a nuke-armed Iran is a danger

DHAKA: Both Israel and Russia agree that Iranian proliferation of nuclear weapons poses a great danger to both Israel and the world.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said at a joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem on Monday.

Speaking after Putin, Netanyahu made three demands for Iran: that it must cease all uranium enrichment in the country, that it transfer all enriched uranium out of the country, and that it disassemble its underground nuclear facilities.

Putin said the most recent round of negotiations between Tehran and the P5+1, which includes Russia, were detailed and effective.

Netanyahu also spoke about his hope that Russia can contribute to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, reports The Jerusalem Post.

Putin, who is scheduled to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Bethlehem later in his visit, called on both parties to resume negotiations, saying that talks are the only way to resolve the conflict.

Seemingly addressing both Syria and the recent presidential elections in Egypt, Putin noted that from the beginning of the Arab Spring, Russia has held that ‘democracy has to take place independently and without outside intervention.’

BDST: 2039 HRS, JUN 25, 2012

Edited by Robab Rosan, Cultural Affairs Editor