Livni cautions against Iran talks

Source: Agencies  |   2008-11-7  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

ISRAELI Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said yesterday that United States President-elect Barack Obama shouldn't talk to Iran just yet, warning that such dialogue could project "weakness" ?? a first sign of disagreement with the incoming American administration.

Obama has stated a willingness to talk to Iran about its nuclear program, which Israel and the US believe is aimed at developing an atomic bomb. His policy marks a departure from that of the Bush administration, which has refused to engage Iranian leaders.

Livni, a contender for prime minister in February elections, noted in an interview with Israel Radio that Obama was not willing to accept a nuclear Iran.

But "dialogue at this time is liable to broadcast weakness," cautioned Livni, head of the governing Kadima Party.

"I think early dialogue at a time when it appears to Iran that the world has given up on sanctions could be problematic."

Obama reasons that direct diplomacy with Iranian leaders would give the US more credibility to press for tougher international sanctions.