Israel PM: Iran sanctions are not working - Atlanta Journal Constitution

on 16 February 2012. Posted in Hot Topics - Israel

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By DANIEL ESTRIN

The Associated Press

NICOSIA, Cyprus — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says sanctions imposed on Iran are important but so far haven't been effective.

FILE- In this April 8, 2008, file photo released by the Iranian President's Office, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, center, listens to a technician during his visit of the Natanz Uranium Enrichment Facility some 200 miles (322 kilometers) south of the capital Tehran, Iran. Iran said Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012 it is dramatically closer to mastering the production of nuclear fuel even as the U.S. weighs tougher pressures and Tehran's suspected shadow war with Israel brings probes far beyond the Middle East. (AP Photo/Iranian Presidents office, File)

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Netanyahu said Thursday that the Iranian president's guided tour of centrifuges at Tehran research reactor on Wednesday was proof that sanctions have not properly crippled Iran's efforts to develop nuclear capabilities.

The Israeli leader was speaking to reporters in Cyprus, where he was meeting officials on a brief visit to discuss cooperation on energy and other matters.

Israel has been a vocal supporter of an international campaign to halt Tehran's nuclear program by imposing sanctions on its central bank and gas exports. Like the West, Israel accuses Iran of pursuing atomic weapons. Tehran insists that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel's deputy prime minister says Iran's boasting of breakthroughs in its nuclear program shows it is panicking over the latest Western sanctions.

Moshe Yaalon told Israel Radio on Thursday that Iran's ceremonious TV broadcast the previous day, featuring President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad touring a Tehran research reactor, was a sign of weakness.

He says it much more about symbolism than substance and that Iran is feeling the brunt of sanctions against its central bank and gas exports.

Yaalon says: "We are seeing reactions that are in some ways hysterical."

Israel has been a leading voice in an international campaign to halt Tehran's nuclear program. Like the West, Israel accuses Iran of pursuing atomic weapons. Tehran denies the charge.

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February 16, 2012 08:01 AM EST

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