In Middle East, Biden Vows 'No Space' Between U.S., Israel on Security

Vice President Joe Biden, arriving in Jerusalem on Tuesday, told Israeli President Shimon Peres there "is absolutely no space between the United States and Israel in terms of Israel's security."

Biden, who also met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is in the Middle East to reassure Israelis that the U.S. will stand in the way of Iran's nuclear program. He also wants to prod Israel and the Palestinians to resume peace talks.

The vice president, a longtime friend of Israel's, signed the guest book in Peres' residence: "The bond between our two countries has been and will remain unshakable. Only together can we achieve lasting peace in the region. I take comfort in knowing that you will be our partner in achieving this goal. May God continue to bless this great nation of Israel and its people. You are a great man."

Peres said he remembered when the vice president first visited his nation as the youngest member of the Senate, and said of his visit this week, "We were waiting for you." Biden was elected from Delaware the age of 29.

"The United States should lead the Iranian policy," Peres told Biden. "There is nobody else in the world."

Biden met separately with Netanyahu, who told the vice president, "The bonds are unbreakable." Biden, in prepared remarks, said, "The United States will always stand with those who take risks for peace."

Biden's trip to Israel comes as vote-counting continues in Iraq for results of Sunday's parliamentary elections. Despite violence meant to intimidate voters, turnout was reported at 62 percent, the Washington Post said, higher than balloting in last year 's provincial contests, though somewhat below the 2005 national elections. Turnout was especially high in Sunni-dominated provinces, a sign that the religious minority may be buying into the Democratic process.