Atomic conversation with Israel

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Yukiya Amano, arrived in Israel on a two-day visit. Although the visit is official, it was not announced in advance, and the guest's program does not include any press events. Israeli President Shimon Peres, Minister of Strategic Affairs Moshe Ya'alon and Minister of Intelligence Dan Meridor will meet with the head of the IAEA. According to experts, the purpose of the visit is to get acquainted with the situation in the region and search for ways of cooperation between Israel and the IAEA.

Japanese Yukiya Amano replaced Egyptian Muhammad ElBaradei as head of the IAEA about six months ago. Israeli analysts believe that Amano is more sympathetic to the Jewish state than his predecessor. During his 12 years as director general of the IAEA, ElBaradei visited Israel only twice. The Israeli leadership criticized ElBaradei for his indecisiveness regarding the settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue. The Jewish state media believes that Yukiya Amano will be able to demonstrate a more serious approach to this problem.

In the meantime, the IAEA would like to get Israel to disclose information about its nuclear program and persuade the Jewish state to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

Maria GRISHINA, Jerusalem