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Israel wants India to rein in Iran nuclear plans
[ FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2003 02:54:17 AM ]
Israel wants India to play a key role in ensuring that Iran does not
weaponise its nuclear programme and that it allows greater
international scrutiny of its nuclear facilities.
The Israeli view was reportedly expressed by prime minister Ariel
Sharon during discussions with Indian leaders, where he conveyed
concerns that his country shares along with the US and the UK
regarding Iran's nuclear weapons programme. India is a member of the
board of directors of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which is
meeting next week to discuss matters relating to Iran's nuclear
weapons programme. Israel believes that India is in a position to
influence the Iranian leadership because of its strategic partnership
with Iran.
Over the last few years, primarily with its own regional compulsions
of keeping a door open to Afghanistan and, from there, further to
central Asia. There has been a flurry of bilateral interactions, which
has resulted in a better understanding between the two countries.
The Israeli stand was more openly articulated by his deputy Yosef
Lapid: "One of the countries that worries us most is Iran, where they
have Ayatollahs who are weaving the country in a very fanatic Muslim
way and they also want to acquire nuclear weapons to translate their
beliefs into acts of terrible consequences."
Stressing on a need to act in haste, Mr Lapid contended that it could
otherwise lead to catastrophic situation. "We should remember that
once terrorists put their hands on nuclear arms, it may be the end of
civilisation."
The IAEA has been pressing Iran to disclose details of its nuclear
programme, including the type of material and equipment it has
imported.
Israel has hinted that it could go to great extents, including
military action, for preventing nuclear weapons from getting into the
hands of Iran. According to reports, Israeli estimates put Iran less
than two years away from possessing nuclear weapons. Along with the
US, Israel has stepped up pressure on Iran in the last few months.
Iran, however, has been insisting that its nuclear programme is only
aimed at consolidating its energy needs. However, after Afghanistan
and Iraq, Iran fears it could be next as it has already been dubbed as
a part of the "axis of evil". Its leadership believes that the US,
like in Iraq, has designs of forcing a regime change in Iran.
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