Israel and European nations are concerned over the possibility the new American administration may enter into direct talks with Iran. Israel is in the process of preparing a position paper concerning the matter, and it appears Jerusalem is backed by France, Britain and Germany regarding calls for immediate increased sanctions against Tehran in the race to thwart Iranian efforts to achieve nuclear independence. They are calling for sanctions to precede any American dialogue with Iran.

Israel is engaged in intensive efforts to formulate a position paper that will detail objections to the new American position, which will state that talks with Tehran must be defined to a very limited time period and in the event there is no progress, increased sanctions must follow immediately, stressing the talks permit Iran to buy more time towards the construction of an atom bomb.

Israel and the Europeans are confused regarding the new American administration, especially pertaining to the proposed appointment of Dennis Ross as a special envoy to address the Iranian issue. They explain that President Barak Obama appointed a special Mideast and Afghanistan envoy in a matter of days, yet the Iranian matter, which carries a critical time element, is delayed.

Two weeks ago, Russia, America, China, France, Britain and Germany met in Europe, to discuss the next steps vis-à-vis Iran. A senior unnamed official in Jerusalem quoted in the daily Haaretz reports the European officials expressed concerns regarding statements from Undersecretary of State William Burns. When asked when the new administration will formulate its position regarding Iran, Burns stated the matter is still in the works and it may take another two months. The representatives of Britain, Germany and France stated the process must be expedited.

According to the Jerusalem source, France is calling for a one-time chance at dialogue with Iran and no more. France warns that the American foot-dragging will eventually lead to a decision to halt decisions until after the Iranian elections in June since Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad may be voted out and America may state “why negotiate with Ahmadinejad who may be replaced”.

Germany’s Chancellor Merkel is extremely concerned, with representatives of the German leader warning the election of Muhmad Hatami would be far worse than Ahmadinejad. A senior advisor to Chancellor Merkel explains that Hatami will make the necessary impression on the west while moving ahead clandestinely with the nuclear program.

To date, Iran has not responded definitively regarding America gestures towards opening a dialogue, once again, buying time.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)