Olmert sees Arab axis of peace to counter Iran | International News | Reuters.com

Olmert sees Arab axis of peace to counter Iran | International News | Reuters.com: "JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Monday he saw an axis for peace with Israel developing among what he termed moderate Arab countries to counter the threats of a nuclear Iran and Islamic militants.

In a speech to parliament, Olmert called on Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora to meet him face-to-face -- an appeal that Siniora swiftly turned down -- and again voiced a readiness for talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

'There are numerous voices in the Arab world speaking in favor of a peace agreement (with Israel),' Olmert said.

'I am pleased a moderate axis of countries in the Arab world has been created that wants to take part in blocking Iran's influence on the region. The Iranian threat is aimed not only against Israel and the free world, but also against Arab countries around us,' he said in the policy speech." Read complete post here.