UK's Brown says he backs further sanctions against Iran
British prime minister says in joint press conference with Israeli counterpart that his government will seek further sanctions against Tehran through UN, EU to discourage Islamic republic's nuclear ambitions. Olmert: Economic sanctions are effective but not sufficient
"We are absolutely clear that we are ready, and will push for, further sanctions against Iran," Brown said at a joint news conference with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. "We will work through the United Nations to achieve this.
We are prepared also to have tougher European sanctions. We want to make it clear that we do not support the nuclear ambitions of that country."
Olmert endorsed that message.
"Economic sanctions are effective. They have an important impact already, but they are not sufficient. So there should be more. Up to where? Up until Iran will stop its nuclear program."
As the two leaders met in London, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana was to meet in Rome with Saeed Jalili, Iran's newly appointed chief negotiator on the nuclear issue, and his predecessor Ali Larijani.
Olmert and Brown at press conference (Photo: AFP)
Brown sidestepped a question about when military action might be necessary.
"I believe sanctions are working. I believe that we should step them up if it becomes necessary, and they will be shown to be working even more successfully.
"I believe the combination of our willingness to go through the UN process, which we will do, and our ability to take sanctions as a European Union, sends the strongest possible message to Iran," Brown said. "The pressure will be maintained. The pressure in fact will be stepped up."
It was Olmert's first meeting with Brown since the British prime minister took office in June, and takes place as international pressure grows on Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a common vision of a final peace deal before a Middle East peace conference.
On Monday, Olmert met in Paris with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who told the Israeli prime minister that France wants Israel to be creative and make "some gestures" in negotiations with the Palestinians. The Palestinians want a detailed joint statement on what peace talks are to produce, complete with a timetable for the establishment of a Palestinian state. Israel is seeking greater flexibility and wants a broad statement with fewer specific commitments.
France's position toward Iran has toughened since Sarkozy took office in May. His administration says it suspects Iran of seeking to build a nuclear bomb and has pushed for tougher sanctions.
Israel maintains that Iran is a threat to its existence and has hinted in the past that it could strike militarily if the international community allows Iran to develop nuclear arms.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who insists his country's nuclear ambitions are peaceful, has repeatedly called for Israel's destruction.
