Israeli foreign minister urges new sanctions on Iran

Washington, Aug 4 (PTI) Noting that it is appropriate
time for the international community to press ahead with
sanctions against Iran, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni
has said Tehran views any hesitation as weakness.
Livni, a contender to become prime minister, said there
is no point for the international community to wait until
Teheran crosses the point of no return.
"I think the time is of the essence even more. While
we are talking, Iran continues. And any kind of hesitation
coming from the international community is being perceived by
the Iranians as weakness. And these kinds of messages that
talks doesn't measure -- don't measure, needs to change the
attitude of the international community. Intensive and
sanctions can be effective," she said on C.N.N.'s "Late
Edition".
"It is clear that Iran doesn't pay attention to talks.
And this is a clear message to the international community to
continue to with real and effective sanctions.
"And clearly, Iran is a threat, not only to Israel,
but this is a global threat. And the international community
should act accordingly," Livni said.
"So, only by waiting, it doesn't create a better
situation, but worse. And sanctions are effective only when
the Iranians know that there are other options. But, let's
focus on the sanctions today," she said.
"The international community is being watched, not
only by Iran, but also by Iran's neighbours. And when the
international community shows hesitation, this is being
perceived as weakness."
Livni also expressed concern that if Iran is not
challenged over its nuclear drive, which Western powers
believe is aimed at producing nuclear weapons, then Iran's
moderate neighbours are likely to end up its allies.
"We live in a neighbourhood in which whether you beat
the bully or join in. And I don't want the Iranian neighbours,
which are part of the camps of moderates, to join Iran," she
said.
"... we need to understand that we need to act today
in terms of sanctions. Sanctions can be effective as long as
the Iranians and the entire world understands that all the
options that are on the table. ... We cannot postpone it. We
cannot wait for the Iranians to decide whether they are
willing to talk with the international community. And the
message coming from Iranians is clear. Sanctions are needed
today," she added.
Livni said "the choice in the Middle East is choice
between bad options. This region is the region that creates
some threats like the Iranian threats to the entire world."
"... I'm not feeling and the world cannot afford a
nuclear Iran ... and weapons of mass destruction everywhere in
this region, in the hands not only of states, but also of
terrorist organisation.