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Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that Iran is his top priority, and he is committed to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. (AP file)
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| By Associated Press September 28, 2006 |
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Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Thursday said he is committed to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, saying in a radio interview that Israel "will never give up its right" to defend itself.
However, he did not say whether Israel planned to take preventative military action and expressed hope international diplomacy would succeed.
Olmert said that Iran is his top priority, even at a time that Israel is trying to end a deadlock with the Palestinians and recovering from the recent war in Lebanon.
"We are making extraordinary efforts to deal with the Iranian threat. This is a threat that can't be ignored," he told Israel Radio.
Olmert said Israel must work with its allies to prevent Iran from developing nuclear arms, welcoming involvement by Germany and England. He said the U.S. -- and not Israel -- should lead these efforts.
"I have direct contact with the U.S. president on this issue," he said. "I guarantee you that the U.S. is committed to this issue."
Israel is prepared to defend itself, Olmert said, but declined to say whether this includes a military option. "We never gave up and we will never give up our right to defend ourselves in every situation," he said.
Negotiators for Iran and the European Union were expected to resume talks over Iran's disputed nuclear program Thursday, a day after holding five hours of intense discussions.
The negotiations are the latest round of talks over a package of incentives that six countries -- the United States, China, Russia, France, Britain and Germany -- are offering Tehran in return for suspending its uranium enrichment program and returning to full-scale negotiations.
Iran missed an Aug. 31 Security Council deadline over the issue. The six are considering seeking sanctions in the U.N. Security Council if Tehran does not comply.
Uranium enrichment can be used for power plants or to develop weapons.
Israel, the U.S. and other Western countries suspect Iran is trying to develop a nuclear bomb. Iran says its nuclear program is peaceful.
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