Lieberman thanks Clinton for resolute stand on Iran

Haaretz -- Israel's Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman began a visit to the U.S. on Tuesday, meeting U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee John Kerry and Republican Senator John McCain.

In his meeting with Clinton, Lieberman and the Secretary of State spoke about the deteriorating situation in Syria, developments in Egypt and the Israeli-Palestinian political standstill.

Lieberman thanked Clinton for the U.S. resolute stand on the Iranian issue, and said that the U.S.'s recent steps, which included tightening sanctions on Iranian banks, send an important message to the region.

Later on Tuesday, Lieberman met with Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee John Kerry and Republican Senator John McCain.

Before the meeting, McCain told reporters that "on Syria, we should start considering all options, including arming the opposition. The blood-letting has got to stop." Iran, McCain said, "hasn't renounced (its) path toward the acquisition of nuclear weapon." McCain also expressed to Lieberman his continued support and appreciation for efforts that the Israelis make on our behalf.

The Israeli Foreign Minister said that "we are waiting for Iran to give up its nuclear ambitions and we express our appreciation for support the support of Israel… we appreciate the very crucial decision of sanctions against Iran, and we continue to monitor it closely."

Upon his arrival, Lieberman attended a dinner organized by the Israeli ambassador Michael Oren, attended by dozens of congressmen.

Also on Monday, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, said she expected the talks with Lieberman to revolve around "Iran, Iran, and more Iran." She added that although she is optimistic about the Arab Spring, it was unfortunately "turning into an Iranian winter."

When asked about the recent unity agreement between the rival Palestinian factions, Ros-Lehtinen briefly replied: "Trouble, trouble."

When she asked Lieberman what kind of regime might emerge in Syria after Assad's downfall, Lieberman said he would be happy to respond and consult on "all these serious issues." However, the press was then hurried out of the conference room.