"Time is running out,” Angela Merkel reiterated. The international community has had a great deal of patience with Iran and has extended several offers. "But all to no avail.”
Sanctions debate expected soon in the UN Security Council
Thus the time has now come to broach the subject of sanctions at international level. February promises to be an "exciting month”. Under the French chairmanship, the Chancellor expects the issue of sanctions to be tabled at the United Nations Security Council.
The Iranian government has taken "completely unacceptable position,” the Chancellor noted. She pointed out in particular the Iranian President’s refusal to accept Israel’s right to exist. And she made quite clear that Germany will always be committed to defending the security and future of Israel.
The aim – a two-state solution
Once again the Chancellor advocated a two-state solution in the Middle East peace process. "We need a Jewish state of Israel just as we need a Palestinian state,” she stressed. Germany will continue to do its bit to revive talks between the two sides.
