Hague: Britain, Israel agree sanctions on Iran untouched

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said he agreed with his Israeli counterpart Avidgor Lieberman that international sanctions on Iran should remain untouched until final and comprehensive solution of the nuclear file. The two senior diplomats, meeting in the British capital Tuesday, agreed to continue bilateral coordination and consultations over the Iranian nuclear file with the aim of preventing the Islamic Republic from acquiring nuclear military technology, a statement by the foreign office said. Hague said they discussed political developments in the Middle East and security challenges facing Israel. He said negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians were an important opportunity to end the conflict. Hague said he and Lieberman discussed the European Union's (EU) aid for the Israelis and Palestinians if they concluded a final agreement. Hague commended the economic, scientific and technological cooperation between Britain and Israel, noting that trade exchange reached 5.1 billion pounds last year.