Netanyahu Warns Kerry Against Iran Sanctions Relief
Amid reports US could offer Islamic republic an interim deal, PM insists Tehran must ‘fully dismantle its nuclear weapons program’
BY TIMES OF ISRAEL STAFF AND AP November 6, 2013
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took direct aim at the Obama administration’s desire for a pause in new sanctions against Iran on Wednesday, telling the visiting American secretary of state that only more pressure would convince the Iranians to prove their nuclear program is peaceful.
“I believe that as long as they continue their goal to enrich uranium, to get nuclear weapons, the pressure should be maintained and even increased because they’re increasing enrichment, and I believe that it’s possible with intense pressure — because of the sanctions regime led in large part by the United States — to get Iran to fully dismantle its nuclear weapons program,” Netanyahu said alongside John Kerry in a press conference in Jerusalem.
“I’d be very worried with any partial deals that enable Iran to maintain those capabilities but begin to reduce sanctions because I think this could undermine the longevity and durability of the sanctions regime,” he added, alluding to recent reports according to which the US was willing to provide sanctions relief to the Islamic Republic in exchange for some compromises on its nuclear program.
Netanyahu’s statement came ahead of a second round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany, scheduled to begin in Geneva on Thursday.
The Obama administration says it wants to hold off on new sanctions to allow for flexibility in those talks.
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http://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-warns-kerry-against-iran-sanctions-relief/
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