|
Nuclear watchdog starts visit to Israel
http://sympatico.msn.cbc.ca/story/ne...ear040706.html
Quote:
Nuclear watchdog starts visit to Israel
Last Updated Tue, 06 Jul 2004 08:59:54 EDT
JERUSALEM - The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency began a visit to Israel Tuesday, pushing its political leaders to accept the concept of a Middle East free of nuclear weapons.
Israel has never admitted to having nuclear weapons, but experts believe it has produced up to 200 nuclear warheads over the years.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has already made his feelings clear about IAEA director general Mohamed elBaradei's visit.
He told Israeli radio on Tuesday morning that he wasn't sure what the head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog was coming to see, adding that Israel has no intention of changing its nuclear strategy.
Officials from the Atomic Energy Commission say elBaradei still hopes to present his arguments in talks with Sharon and other senior political figures.
"That's a big chore, but what Dr. elBaradei is trying to achieve is for the states of the Middle East to begin serious strategic discussions," said spokesman Mark Gwozeky.
Israel is renowned for its policy of "strategic ambiguity." It doesn't admit to or deny having nuclear weapons and it hasn't signed the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. That means it is not obliged to declare its nuclear activities to UN inspectors.
A number of Israeli analysts say it would be unwise for Israel to sign the treaty, saying the country has too many enemies in the Middle East to disarm its weapons.
Israel has also accused Iran of trying to make nuclear weapons.
|
Do you think Israel should comply or not? If not, are there any reasons why they shouldn't, barring their mainstream opinion that they will be pushed into the sea? Would complying show an effort toward peace in the mideast?
It strikes me as odd and incredibly one sided that if Israel have nuclear weapons, they are essential responsible to no one for them. And not having to sign a non-proliferation treaty if they have weapons is ludicrous. This is unbelievable. And Iraq was at the top of the list as the most imminent threat to the world? What are your thought?
*edit: added quotes for readability*
__________________
" In Canada, you can tell the most blatant lie in a calm voice, and people will believe you over someone who's a little passionate about the truth." David Warren, Western Standard.
Last edited by Peetster; 07-07-2004 at 03:16 AM..
|