Israels Minister of Strategic Affairs Yuval Steinitz[/caption]OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: Israel's Intelligence MinisterYuval SteinitzWednesday urged theEuropean Unionnot to make a "bad deal" withIranover its nuclear program, ahead of crucial talks.
Steinitz suggested outgoing EU foreign policy ChiefCatherine Ashtonmay be in a rush to conclude a deal before she steps down at the end of this year.
He also said the fight against Islamist extremists inIraqandSyriashould not harm efforts to stopTehranfrom obtaining a nuclear bomb.
Iranand world powers are preparing for new talks starting on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly this week in New York.
Western countries accuse Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons, a chargeTehrandenies.
"We appreciate Catherine Ashton's efforts, but the Iranians might tend to believe that if somebody has to finish his job on this date, then somebody will have extra motivation to try to conclude a deal," he said.
"I hope this is not the case. I hope thatCatherine Ashtoncan say, 'OK, I've tried but if the Iranians have shown no flexibility so far ... maybe there is no deal,'" Steinitz said.
"We are deeply concerned ... we feel the negotiation is going in the wrong direction," he added, without elaborating.
Israelhas long threatened military action against Iran to stop it obtaining nuclear weapons capability, and slammed world powers including its U.S. ally for opening up talks with Iran last year.
Steinitz urged world powers not to sideline the Iran issue as they concentrate on battling extremists from theISISgroup inIraqand Syria, echoing remarks made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week.
"Some people think let's clean the table, let's close the Iranian file," he said.
"Israelsupports the coalition against (ISIS) ... but not at the expense of the struggle against the Iranian nuclear project," he said.
By AFP
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