Deputy Foreign Minister Daniel Ayalon
Photo: Dudi Vaaknin
US, Israel mull Iranian threat
High ranking Israeli, American delegations hold biannual strategic dialogue meeting in DC; say they are committed to enhancing Mideast security, stability as international community's effort to resolve Iranian issue continue
WASHINGTON – Israeli and American senior officials attended a special meeting in Washington Monday, meant to assess the effectiveness of sanctions taken against Iran and determine future measures which could be imosed on the Islamic Republic in order to compel it to relinquish its nuclear efforts.
The meeting was part of a series of biannual meeting which take place as part of the US-Israel strategic dialogue.
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Following the meeting, US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg and Deputy Foreign Minister Daniel Ayalon issued a joint statement, which reads as follows:
"US and Israeli delegations met today in Washington to continue the semi-annual US-Israel Strategic Dialogue. The delegations reviewed in-depth many of the issues that affect our mutual security and partnership. The Strategic Dialogue is an opportunity for both the United States and Israel to discuss, at a senior level, a variety of issues, our respective perspectives, and evaluate their policy implications for both our countries.
Steinberg (L) and Ayalon (Photo courtesy of the Israeli Embassy in Washington)
"The United States and Israel are committed to working together to enhance regional security and stability. The present discussions helped identify ways to improve our already strong cooperation in this regard for the benefit of all in the region. The United States and Israel also reemphasized their commitment to the pursuit of lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians, and between Israel and all of its neighbors.
"While today’s Strategic Dialogue covered many subjects, it is clear that Iran is among the greatest challenges we face today in the Middle East. Iran’s continued noncompliance with its international obligations related to its nuclear program, as well as its continued support for terrorist entities, are of grave concern to our two countries and the entire international community. Continued efforts by the international community to address Iran’s actions through both pressure and engagement are critical to changing Iran’s strategic calculus and preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability.
"We look forward to continuing the Strategic Dialogue in the spring of 2011 as an important forum to study and address the serious issues facing the United States, Israel, and the region," the statement concluded.
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