AFP
Tuesday, December 20, 2006

Russia is the only country in the world capable of averting the "nuclear holocaust" that a confrontation between Iran and Israel could bring about, Russian Jewish Congress head Vyacheslav Kantor said Wednesday, news agency RIA-Novosti reported.

"Everyone understands wonderfully that Israel posseses nuclear weapons, while Iran doesn't have nuclear weapons, but already has the means to deliver them, and needs about two years before it will be in full possession of them," Kantor said.

"And today, Russia is the only country that has the unique ability to speak with all parties in the potential future conflicts that are still possible to avoid. That is Russia's historic mission," Kantor said.

He added that due to Russia's political, economic, and military capabilities, "everyone sitting around the negotiating table will reckon with it, including Israel, the United States, Iran and other countries."