Netanyahu describes Syria's chemical weapons deal as 'model' to follow

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the deal to destroy Syria’s chemical weapons arsenal as a “model” that must be followed when addressing Iran’s nuclear programme. In a joint press conference at the Kremlin with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, Netanyahu said that this approach would be “a peaceful and diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear programme.”

Netanyahu, who insists on a deal that leaves Iran incapable of enriching uranium, explained that the international community would not have accepted an agreement on Syria whereby Damascus would destroy only part of its chemical weapons arsenal while retaining the infrastructure to produce more.

Netanyahu said that Israel is particularly interested in reaching a peaceful settlement to the Iranian issue, because it will suffer more than any other country if such a solution is not reached, noting that Iran’s attempts to develop nuclear weapons pose a threat not only to Israel’s security but to the entire region.

Meanwhile, President Putin was more optimistic that a solution is highly possible that would satisfy the P5+1 and Iran during their talks in Geneva, saying that: “We hope to reach a solution that is acceptable to all parties as soon as possible. The P5+1 talks with Iran suggest that such a possibility exists.”

Commenting on Syria, Putin focused on the conflict there, stressing that: “Russia and Israel call for an end to the bloodshed in Syria as soon as possible.” He expressed hope that the consultations to prepare for the Geneva II conference will continue working towards a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis.

The Russian President also noted that Moscow welcomes the resumption of the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, saying that: “We always discuss possible settlements to Middle East conflicts during meetings with Israel’s Prime Minister.”