BICOM

Britain’s Ambassador to Israel, Matthew Gould said in an interview this morning with Israel’s Army Radio that a “good atmosphere is not sufficient” in achieving success in the upcoming talks between world powers and Iran. He added, “we [Britain] have a long experience in dealing with the Iranian regime, we know what tactics they are likely to use and we are going in with our eyes wide open”.

Gould’s comments come as The P5+1, the five permanent members of the Security Council plus Germany, meet Iran for talks today in Baghdad over its contentious nuclear programme.

Gould added in the interview that now is not the time for an attack on Iran, and that the UK would not support such a move if it were carried out. He stressed that the parallel track of sanctions and negotiations are the best way to solve the Iran nuclear crisis.

The UK and Israel enjoy close cooperation on the issue and the British government has emphasised in the past that all options should remain on the table.

In other news, yesterday evening Israel’s Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman met with Foreign Secretary William Hague in London. At the meeting the two ministers discussed bilateral issues, increasing co-operation between the two states, the situation in the Middle East and the upcoming negotiations in Baghdad concerning Iran’s nuclear programme.

According to media reports this morning, Lieberman said that even though Iran is attempting to create a pleasant and calm atmosphere for talks, its desire remains to become a nuclear weapons state. “Sanctions on Iran have had an influence, but so far it has been insufficient to bring about real change,” said Lieberman. The Foreign Minister also said it was important to point out Iran’s negative influence on other Middle East conflicts.

During his current UK trip, Lieberman is also scheduled to meet with Shadow Foreign Secretary Douglas Alexander, Education Secretary Michael Gove and National Security Adviser Sir Kim Daroch.