US security man warns of international threats

Azerbaijan News.Net
Wednesday 7th January, 2009

The top US security specialist has said Iran will be the biggest challenge in the Middle East for the incoming administration of President-elect Barack Obama.

In a speech presented in Washington, White House National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley said negotiations with Iran should not be entered into.

He said instead, a new partnership should be forged with Europe to enforce tougher sanctions against Tehran.

Iran is still under international sanctions over its disputed nuclear program.

While Tehran has said it is only pursuing civilian nuclear applications, such as energy and medicine, the United States and others have accused Iran of seeking nuclear weapons.

Hadley also said the new Obama administration should make it a priority to stabilize Pakistan in a broader effort to bring peace to Afghanistan and the rest of the region.

Hadley said the biggest opportunity for the new administration would be peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians if it could be achieved.

He said Mr Obama's team should build on processes begun under President George Bush, to build the democratic institutions of a future Palestinian state, and using confidential, bilateral talks between the sides to negotiate peace.

Hadley also warned of the challenges posed by Russia.

He noted that the United States has worked together with Russia on certain issues, but said Russia's had failed to respect the rights of its people and its neighbors by threatening them and manipulating their access to energy.

But he said the biggest threat to the United States was the prospect of terrorists obtaining nuclear weapons.

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