(Haaretz).German Chancellor Angela Merkel told visiting President Shimon Peres on Tuesday that February will be a "decisive" month in the West's diplomatic standoff with Iran over its alleged nuclear program.
Iran's refusal to suspend uranium enrichment would compel the United Nations to impose harsh sanctions against the Islamic republic, Merkel warned.
During a joint press conference with the German leader, Peres praised the chancellor for "her extraordinary friendship" with Jerusalem and "her steadfast stance on the Iranian issue."
Merkel called on the international community to reach consensus on sanctions against Tehran. "The issue of sanctions will be brought to the agenda when France assumes the presidency of the UN Security Council [next month]," Merkel said. "February will be a decisive month."
Israeli officials said that Merkel had already discussed the matter with her French counterpart, President Nicolas Sarkozy.
Iran's refusal to suspend uranium enrichment would compel the United Nations to impose harsh sanctions against the Islamic republic, Merkel warned.
During a joint press conference with the German leader, Peres praised the chancellor for "her extraordinary friendship" with Jerusalem and "her steadfast stance on the Iranian issue."
Merkel called on the international community to reach consensus on sanctions against Tehran. "The issue of sanctions will be brought to the agenda when France assumes the presidency of the UN Security Council [next month]," Merkel said. "February will be a decisive month."
Israeli officials said that Merkel had already discussed the matter with her French counterpart, President Nicolas Sarkozy.