Semaine 8 / 2012

          A report by the UN's nuclear watchdog proves that Israel's analysis of Iran's nuclear program is correct, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Saturday. Netanyahu said the International Atomic Energy Agency report proves that Iran is continuing its nuclear program "without let-up." Iran "is enriching uranium to a high level of 20%, while grossly ignoring the demands of the international community," Netanyahu said in a written statement from the Prime Minister's Office. Netanyahu... [Lire la suite]

            Israel says that the latest report by the UN nuclear watchdog offers additional proof that Israel is correct in its assessment that Iran is pursuing its nuclear ambitions unhindered. A statement issued by the prime minister's office said that Iran is enriching uranium at a high level and ignoring the demands of the international community regarding its nuclear program. The International Atomic Energy Agency report noted that Iran has sharply increased its uranium... [Lire la suite]

        Tensions following the death of a Palestinian who was reportedly shot near the Kalandia checkpoint between Jerusalem and Ramallah simmered on Saturday as clashes broke out between IDF troops and mourners in a funeral procession for the slain 25-year-old. Hundreds gathered in the Palestinian village of Al-Ram southeast of Ramallah to accompany the body of Talat Ramiah, who was killed on Friday after he was shot by IDF troops. On Saturday, the situation in Al-Ram escalated towards the end of... [Lire la suite]

            Iran has yet to clarify a discrepancy in uranium quantities at a Tehran research site, a UN nuclear watchdog report said, after measurements by international inspectors last year failed to match the amount declared by the laboratory. The United States has expressed concern the material may have been diverted to suspected weapons-related research activity. UN inspectors have sought information from Iran to help explain the issue after their inventory last August of... [Lire la suite]

           Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas  political bureau chief Khaled Mashaal have reported progress in  reconciliation talks. Heads of Palestinians groups are due to hold talks in the Egyptian capital today to discuss the efforsts. Ahead of the Abbas-Mashaal summit, the Hamas leadership announced it had settled internal disagreements aand approved the unity deal between Hamas and Fatah. The understanding calls for Abbas to head an interim government... [Lire la suite]

           An Iranian research center that has been investigated by UN nuclear inspectors appears to have played a key role in Tehran's atomic program, which Western powers fear is aimed at producing weapons, according to a new report released on Wednesday. The study by the Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) will likely cast further doubt on Tehran's denials that it is seeking atomic bombs as the UN nuclear agency prepares to publish a new report... [Lire la suite]

         The presidents of Russia and Iran said on Wednesday the crisis in Syria must be resolved peacefully without foreign intervention, according to a Kremlin statement. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad discussed "the dramatic situation developing around Syria" by telephone a day after the United States appeared to open the door to eventually arming rebels. "The sides spoke out in favor of Syrians themselves overcoming the crisis as swiftly as... [Lire la suite]

        The European Union is set to slap fresh sanctions on Syria, including a ban on Syrian-run cargo flights into the 27-nation bloc, EU diplomats said Wednesday. "There will be more sanctions announced Monday" when EU foreign ministers meet in Brussels, one source said. Other measures include a freeze on the European assets of the Syrian central bank and restrictions on trade in gold and precious metals. A further seven people also are to be added to an existing list of almost 150 entities and... [Lire la suite]

             Russia has warned Israel that attacking Iran would be a disaster. Speaking at a press conference in Moscow today Russian deputy foreign minister Gennady Gatilov said any possible military scenario against Iran will be catastrophic for the region and for the whole system of international relations. It was one of Russia's harshest warnings against resorting to force. Gatilov said that he hoped Israel understands all these consequences including the impact on... [Lire la suite]

         Israel has protested to the United States over recent comments by senior American officials critical of any Israeli attack on Iran, saying this criticism "served Iran's interests." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and other senior officials made their displeasure known to Tom Donilon, U.S. national security adviser who has been in Israel this week. A senior Israeli official said Netanyahu and Barak told Donilon of their dissatisfaction with the interview... [Lire la suite]