Israel cautiously welcomes new talks with Iran

[March 08, 2012]  JERUSALEM (AP) -- A top adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cautiously welcomed an upcoming round of talks between six world powers and Iran over its suspect nuclear program.

Netanyahu's security adviser Yaakov Amidror said Wednesday that Israel is "very happy" to hear of the negotiations. But he said "without a real military alternative," Iran is unlikely to give up its nuclear program.

Israel believes Iran is trying to produce a nuclear weapon and has said military action should be considered to stop the Iranians.

President Barack Obama told the visiting Netanyahu this week that diplomacy must be given more time.

Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

[Associated Press]

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