Tuesday, July 20, 2010

UK PM Cameron: It is time for direct talks between Israel & Palestine; Iran must abandon nuclear hopes

US President Barack Obama has called his country's relationship with the UK "truly special", following a meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron.

The president said the world was "more secure and more prosperous" when the UK and US worked together.

During their three-hour meeting, the leaders discussed Afghanistan, the Middle East- Peace process and Iran, the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and the economy.

Speaking at the Press Conference Mr. Cameron said that both he and the President agree on PM Netanyahu's call for direct peace talks, and stressed the need of direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians at this time, saying that "we desperately need a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians that provides security, justice and hope.

"It is time for direct talks not least because it is time for each Israel and Palestine to test the seriousness of the other," Cameron added.

Regarding Iran , Cameron said: Iran must abandon its nuclear hopes, saying that "Iran must give up its pursuit of a nuclear weapon. We urge the Iranian regime to resume negotiations with the international community."

"It is not too late," Cameron added. "American and Britain, with our partners, stand ready to negotiate and to do so in good faith. But in the absence of a willing partner, we will implement with vigor the sanctions package agreed by the United Nations Security Council."

President Obama commented too on that matter - that Iran must understand that the path of defiance against international pressure over its nuclear program will bring more isolation.

"We remain committed to a diplomatic solution. But the Iranian government must understand that the path of defiance will only bring more pressure and more isolation," Obama said.

"The Iranian government must fulfill its international obligations," Obama went on to say, adding that "the new sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council, the United States and other countries are putting unprecedented pressure on the Iranian government."

"I thanked David [Cameron] for Great Britain's efforts to ensure strong European Union sanctions in the coming days," the U.S. president added. "