Olmert sees Arab axis of peace to counter Iran

JERUSALEM, Oct 16 (Reuters) Prime Minister Ehud Olmert today said 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 policy speech to parliament, Olmert called on Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora to meet him face-to-face and again voiced a willingness to hold talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ''immediately'', but did not set any specific date.

''There are numerous voices in the Arab world speaking in favour 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.'' Olmert reiterated that a nuclear Iran, whose president has called for Israel's destruction, would pose ''an existential threat'' to the Jewish state.

''Israel is cooperating with the international community to head it off. This is a historic crossroads for the entire international community and it has a duty to prevent Iran from achieving a nuclear capability,'' he said.

''There's no room for questions or wavering. The world must act with determination ... and ensure that Iran does not have nuclear weapons. The latest events in North Korea demonstrate the danger,'' he said, referring to Pyongyang's recent claim to have carried out a nuclear test.

Iran has rejected international calls to stop uranium enrichment, a programme it says is only for peaceful purposes.

MORE REUTERS SAM RN2200