Israel Deplores Swiss Natural Gas Deal With Iran

[Purveyor]

JERUSALEM, March 19 (Reuters) - Israel lodged a complaint with Switzerland on Wednesday over a Swiss-Iranian natural gas purchase, calling the deal inconsistent with U.S.-led efforts to curb Tehran's nuclear programme through economic isolation.

Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey announced the sale during a visit to Tehran on Monday and said her country was ready "to contribute to solutions" to the stand-off over Iranian uranium enrichment and other sensitive nuclear projects.

Israel's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it summoned Swiss Ambassador Walter Haffner to deplore Calmy-Rey's trip to Iran, calling it "an act that is unfriendly to Israel".

Given recent U.N. Security Council sanctions against Iran, "now is not the proper time to pursue economic deals" with the government of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the statement said.

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The Swiss energy group that signed the 25-year purchase said it could be worth between 10 billion euros ($13.32 billion) and 22 billion euros, depending on factors such as the price of oil.

Calmy-Rey said the contract was "important in a long-term perspective" for both sides and added it did not violate U.N. sanctions resolutions.

---EOE---

http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKL1952889120080319

[pinniped]

1. Tough shit.

The stupid US has no right to tell other countries what to do.

[Ganja Ninja]

2. Who asked them?

It's really none of their business. Do the Israeli's consult the Swiss before they bulldoze a Palestinian home and put up another settlement?

[Lance_Boyle]

3. how is an act that doesn't involve israel at all

"unfriendly to israel?"

Seriously, Israel - it's not always about you.

[Indenturedebtor]

5. Because

The economic sanctions are allegedly designed to keep Iran from getting Nukes, which Ahmadinejad allegedly intends to use on Israel.

So yeah I think that Israel has an interest in the situation.

There are two types of pressure in this world - economic sanctions and bombs. Which do you prefer we use since we're dead set on using something?

Hmmm?

Oh I'm sorry did I interrupt the Israel Hatefest?

[Lance_Boyle]

6. Who alleges that Iran intends to nuke Israel?

Whaddaya know - it's the Israeli government. Nobody else. So once again, Israel, it's not always about you.

[acmavm]

4. I don't think anyone much cares what Israel thinks anymore. Especially

in light of their continual building of illegal settlements and their close relationship with the bush** administration. The Ohlmert government and the bush** administration, a marriage made in ???

[JohnyCanuck]

7. Hang on a sec while I tune my violin.

There we go :nopity:

[Supersedeas]

8. Laissez Faire economics