Olmert's advances REBUFFED!

Israeli PM Olmert meets with Chinese PM. Olmert receives warm welcome but request that Chinese PM reconsider policy against Iran falls on deaf ears.

Ronny Sofer, Beijing
Published: 01.10.07, 14:06

The Chinese's warm welcome of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on his visit to China for a meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao turned out to be inconsequential, when China's intention to stick with the decision not to intensify sanctions against Iran and maintain financial ties with the country became clear.

No change in Iran policy

During the meeting, Olmert asked PM Jiabao to reconsider the sanction policy against Iran. Olmert said that he was aware of the fact that part of Chinese oil comes from Iran, and of the financial trade between the two courtiers which amounts to some five billion dollars.

Sources from Olmert's office feel that China is indeed sticking to policies for the prevention of Iranian nuclear weapons, but nonetheless fears its economy could suffer.

According to a senior official source of Olmert's office, no change is expected in China's stance on Iran, even after Olmert and Jiabao's meeting.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3350696,00.html

By Dan Williams, Beijing - Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert arrived in Beijing on Tuesday aiming to lobby China to close ranks with Western powers against Iran's nuclear programme.China backed a United Nations Security Council resolution last month imposing sanctions on Iran's trade in sensitive nuclear materials and technology, an attempt to halt uranium enrichment work that could lead to bomb production.

But like fellow permanent council member Russia, China has also voiced a preference for negotiations with Tehran, which says its nuclear ambitions are peaceful - an approach often at odds with that of the United States and some European nations.

http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?sf=2749&click_id=2749&art_id=qw1168337340844B226&set_id=6