Iran a threat to Israel's existence - Olmert

WASHINGTON, May 24 (Reuters) Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said in an address to the U S Congress today that Iran poses a threat to Israel's existence and he urged swift international action to curb its nuclear programme.

''For us this is an existential threat. A threat to which we cannot consent. But it is not Israel's threat alone. It is a threat to all those committed to stability in the West Asia and the well-being of the world at large,'' Olmert said.

''A nuclear Iran means a terrorist state could achieve the primary mission for which terrorists live and die: the mass destruction of innocent human life. This challenge, which I believe is the test of our time, is one the West cannot afford to fail,'' he said. ''History will judge our generation by the actions we take now.'' REUTERS SI BST2156