Clinton, Israeli FM discuss Iran, peace talks
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E-mail Xinhua, February 8, 2012
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday discussed with her Israeli counterpart Avigdor Lieberman a wide range of issues, including Iran, bilateral ties and the peace talks with the Palestinians.
In their meeting that lasted about 40 minutes, the pair discussed some seven topics, "just a little bit on each," State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said.
"With regard to Iran, they talked extensively about the impact that the new sanctions are having in our efforts to work with countries around the world to wean them from Iranian oil and, obviously, our mutual commitment to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon and to increase the pressure through these sanctions," Nuland told reporters at a regular news briefing.
Following the European Union's decision last month to target Iran's oil exports for sanctions, U.S. President Barack Obama ordered on Sunday to freeze all property of the Iranian government and the financial institutions under U.S. jurisdiction, including that of the Central Bank of Iran, in an effort to tighten the pressure on the Islamic republic over its controversial nuclear program.
The Obama administration prefers a diplomatic approach to Iran's alleged attempt to acquire nuclear weapons, while rumors are growing about an imminent strike by Israel on the Islamic republic 's nuclear facilities.
Nuland noted that in her meeting with Lieberman, Clinton reaffirmed "our unshakable commitment" to the relationship with Israel, not only to Israel's security, but to its democracy.
She said on the peace talks with the Palestinians, Lieberman reaffirmed Israel's commitment to the two-state solution and its interest in continuing the process of "trying to get to direct talks."
The Israelis and the Palestinians had five exploratory meetings in Amman, Jordan from Jan. 3 to Jan. 25, as the Quartet mediators, comprising the U.S., the United Nations, the European Union and Russia, have been pushing for renewed direct talks between them.
"Our expectation is that this process will resume back in Jordan, and we hope that'll be as soon as possible," Nuland said.
She said Clinton and Lieberman also discussed the deal signed a day earlier between Fatah and Hamas to form a unity government, agreeing that "It's not particularly clear what this agreement will change."
"Our red lines about Hamas are the same red lines that the Israelis have -- recognizing Israel, renouncing violence, and agreeing to all of the past Palestinian agreements. So that hasn't changed on either side," Nuland said.
The U.S. and Israel regard Hamas as a terrorist organization.
