Israel, US 'close' on Iran

Israel's minister of international and strategic affairs said on Thursday that the gap between Israel and the United States regarding their stance toward the Iranian nuclear problem is "small".

In an interview with Israel Radio, Yuval Steinitz said Israel and the US see eye to eye regarding their aim in curbing Iranian nuclear power, but have small differences on how to reach this goal.

"We can easily settle the Iranian nuclear issue if it would stop enriching uranium on its turf and acquire uranium from other countries for the purpose of electricity and not for military needs," Steinitz said.

He said the conversation between US Secretary of State John Kerry and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday was comprehensive and open and dealt with other issues, including the peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.

Netanyahu and his cabinet have campaigned against what he dubs the "charm offensive" of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, which they claim is aimed at stalling while Iran continues to strive for nuclear capabilities.

Xinhua

(China Daily 10/25/2013 page11)