Olmert urges Arab moderates to unite against Iran

Washington: Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Tuesday urged moderate Arab countries to stand firm against Iran and its nuclear programme, which he says threatens stability in the Middle East.

Speaking to several thousand members of the United Jewish Communities, Olmert said, “If Iran achieves the ability to produce nuclear weapons, as we know it is seeking to do, we will enter a new era of instability unlike any the world has ever seen.''

Israel insisted that its right to existence must be recognised and the Jewish state will not tolerate those who challenge this.

"A coalition of moderate Arab countries can and must unite their common interest in preventing Iran from undermining stability in the Middle East," he added.

Yesterday, the Israeli Prime Minister met President George W. Bush at White House for talks, where both men adopted a tough stance towards Iran's nuclear programme.

Iran insists that it is enriching uranium to generate electricity and not build atom bombs as the West suspects.