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'Israel can't afford it.' Olmert
Photo: AFP
Iran's Ahmadinejad at nuclear plant (Photo: AFP)
Photo: AFP

Olmert calls for world to stop Iran nuclear bomb

PM tells 'General Assembly' of Jewish leaders Islamic Republic 'has not terminated its pursuit of nuclear weapons; free world must do whatever it can to prevent nuclear Iran'

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says Iran is still trying to make nuclear weapons, and the world must make a concerted effort to stop the project.

 

Olmert told a Jewish gathering in Jerusalem, "Iran has not terminated its pursuit of nuclear weapons," adding, "Iran cannot become nuclear. Israel cannot afford it...The free world must not accept it. We must all do whatever we can to prevent it."

 

In his appearance before the "General Assembly" of Jewish leaders in Jerusalem Sunday, Olmert did not give specific warnings about possible Israeli actions against Iran.

 

Olmert did not give specific warnings about possible Israeli actions against Iran, but said "together we can meet this challenge."

 

'We must do more to promote these projects'

The UJC is the largest Jewish philanthropic organization in North America. It represents 157 Jewish federations and 400 smaller Jewish communities across North America and provides assistance to millions of Jews in North America, Israel and 60 other countries around the world.

 

This year's conference is focusing on the state of philanthropy to Israel in the wake of the global economic crisis.

 

Olmert addressed concerns that funding for Jewish programs in Israel would dry up and encouraged donors to continue their support.

 

"We must do more to promote these projects, even with the financial troubles," he said.

 

Olmert, making his last appearance before the body, got a warm reception from the crowd. Facing corruption charges, he will step down after Israel elects a new leader in February elections.

 

His three potential successors, Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu, are all slated to address the annual gathering, which continues until Wednesday.

 

Israel considers Iran a strategic threat because of its nuclear program, its development of long-range missiles and repeated threats to destroy the Jewish state.  

 


פרסום ראשון: 11.16.08, 20:59
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