Perilous
Times
Israeli minister: Iran making missile, nuke advances under
smoke screen of Mideast unrest
By George Jahn, The Associated Press | The Canadian Press
VIENNA - Israel's foreign minister warned Thursday that Iran is
using Mideast unrest as a smoke screen to advance missile and
nuclear programs in its alleged development of nuclear arms.
Avigdor Lieberman also urged would-be participants in a flotilla
of ships planning to break an Israeli sea blockade of Gaza to give
up their plans and deliver their aid to U.N. supervised ports for
distribution.
Lieberman spoke to reporters Thursday after meeting with Austrian
Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger, on issues that both men
said included the flotilla as well as efforts by Palestinian
leaders to gain U.N recognition of a Palestinian state.
Spindelegger said that Austria had not yet made up its mind on
U.N. recognition, adding that he preferred a joint EU approach to
the issue
Between 300 and 400 international activists aboard 10 ships had
been due to sail this week to Gaza to try and break the naval
blockade Israel imposed after Hamas militants overran the
Palestinian territory in 2007. But their departure has been beset
by delays that the activists blame in part on Israel.
Last year, an Israeli raid on a similar flotilla killed nine
activists on a Turkish vessel with each side blaming the other for
the violence. On Thursday, Lieberman refused to be drawn on what
means the Jewish state would apply this time to prevent a breach
of the blockade.
Instead, he said Israel wanted organizers to bring their aid to
ports "where there are U.N authorities" who will the distribute
the supplies.
Frequent Israeli depictions of Iran as representing the greatest
danger to Mideast peace received enforcement Wednesday with
British warnings that the Islamic Republic has conducted secret
tests of ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
Britain believes Tehran has conducted at least three secret tests
of medium-range ballistic missiles since October, amid an apparent
escalation of its nuclear program and increased scrutiny from the
International Atomic Energy Agency.
Like its missile program, Iran's nuclear activities are under U.N.
Security Council sanctions because of fears Tehran is seeking
nuclear weapons — something the Islamic Republic denies.
A U.N. Panel of Experts report leaked to the media last month
reported that Iran conducted secret ballistic missile tests in
October and February.
Lieberman on Thursday said Iran is exploiting "international
community ... attention to the Arab Spring to develop and move as
soon as possible with their nuclear and missile programs."