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).

"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, adding he would ensure the country has all the necessary weapons to protect itself.

Israel has an official policy of "nuclear ambiguity," under which it neither confirms nor denies having such weapons.

International arms experts assess Israel has the world's sixth-largest stockpile of nuclear weapons, including some 300 warheads and the ability to rapidly expand.

Israeli President Moshe Katsav is scheduled to meet ElBaradei, who has said Israel should start talking seriously about a nuclear-free Middle East whether or not it admits having such weapons.

The IAEA chief is not scheduled to visit Israel's top secret nuclear reactor in the Negev Desert town of Dimona.

ElBaradei's visit has been described as one that will focus on bilateral issues, with officials saying that Iran's efforts to gain a nuclear capability are not on the agenda.

Among the issues expected to be discussed is how to combat nuclear terrorism, an issue around which there is cooperation between Israel and the IAEA.

Though Israel is not a party to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which gives the IAEA powers to inspect nuclear programs, it is a member of the agency.

ElBaradei, who visited Israel in 1992, 1996 and 1998, was invited by Israel to visit this time. 

(Xinhua News Agency July 7, 2004)