Russia, US, Egypt, Arab League urge nuclear weapons-free Middle East

GENEVA – Russian, U.S., Egyptian and Arab League diplomats are pushing for a nuclear weapons-free Middle East, a goal they admit will be tough to reach.

On the sidelines Thursday of nuclear talks in Geneva, the diplomats debated a plan proposed by Moscow think-tank PIR Center.

It includes steps such as Mideast nations committing not to attack one other, allowing the U.N. nuclear agency to safeguard nuclear facilities, and creating a new regional body for nuclear cooperation.

U.S. diplomat Thomas Countryman called the idea ambitious. But he and the Arab League's Wael Al-Assad cited Iran's disputed nuclear program — which Tehran insists is peaceful — as a major stumbling block.

Russian diplomat Mikhail Ulyanov also said any accord depends on Israel, which is believed to have atomic weapons but hasn't confirmed that.