Russia ex-PM: Israeli strike will force Iran to make own weapons of mass destructionAugust 8, 2012 - 12:47 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities are possible but in case they are delivered they will have small impact on Iran and on the contrary will push Tehran into producing weapons of mass destruction, former Russian prime minister Yevgeny Primakov told Rossiiskaya Gazeta daily, according to RIA Novosti. “The United States does not want this airstrike to be delivered before the presidential election. They [the U.S.] are restraining Israel. But we must understand that both American and Israeli administrations have various [political] forces that express different positions,” Primakov, who is also an expert on the Middle East, said. Primakov said Iran is capable to recover in two years in case it is subjected to an airstrike, but after this period Tehran will withdraw from the Nuclear Weapons Non-proliferationTreaty and will start making its own weapons of mass destruction. Israel and Western powers suspect Iran of seeking to build nuclear weapons. Iran denies this, saying its program is of a civilian nature. Israel has recently stepped up its verbal threats to attack Iran if it does not abandon its nuclear ambitions. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |