Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon reiterated on Tuesday that Israel will stick to its "ambiguity policy" on nuclear issues, saying the policy has proven itself, Israeli Army radio reported.
Israel would not change its "no show, no tell" nuclear policy, and the policy "has proven itself and will continue," Sharon was quoted as saying.
Sharon's words came just hours before the two-day visit by Mohamed ElBaradei, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). ElBaradei was to meet Sharon and other senior officials.
"I don't know what he is coming to see. Israel has to hold in its hand all the elements of power necessary to protect itself by itself," Sharon said. Ahead of his trip, ElBaradei said that Israel should start talking seriously about a nuclear arms-free Middle East whether or not it owes up to owning them.
Foreign experts assess Israel has the world's sixth-largest stockpile of nuclear weapons, including some 300 warheads and the ability to rapidly expand.
The IAEA chief is not scheduled to visit Israel's top secret nuclear reactor in the southern town of Dimona. ElBaradei, who visited Israel in 1992, 1996 and 1998, was invited by Israel to visit this time. (Albawaba.com)
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