Note: There is a maximum of 200 words per comment. If you wish to post more, please visit our forum.
France rejects Iran's request for more talks
By Nasser Karimi, Associated Press Writer
Wednesday, January 18, 2006 | No comments posted.
TEHRAN, Iran - France rejected Iran's request for more talks on the Islamic republic's nuclear program, saying today that Tehran first must suspend its atomic activities.
Iran asked for a ministerial-level meeting with France, Germany, Britain and the European Union, but its decision to resume some uranium enrichment-related activities “means that it is not possible for us to meet under satisfactory conditions to pursue these discussions,” French Foreign Ministry spokesman Denis Simonneau said in Paris.
“Iran must return to a complete suspension of these activities.”
U.S. Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns supported the idea that Iran should suspend its program and return to talks.
“There is a consensus that Iran should turn back, return to negotiations and suspend its nuclear program,” Burns told reporters in Bombay, India, during a South Asia tour. “But that's not the path Iran is on now.”
The Bush administration sent Burns to London to coordinate a strategy with Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia on dealing with Iran. Burns conceded differences remained after Tuesday's meeting.
“We reached a consensus on some points ... others need to be worked on,” he said.
Burns repeated U.S. demands that the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency refer Iran to the Security Council - where it could face sanctions - for resuming research on centrifuges used in uranium enrichment. Russia and China oppose sending Iran to the Security Council.
Earlier today, Iran's foreign minister told state radio the nation's chances of being referred to the Security Council were slim. Manouchehr Mottaki did not give a reason for his view, but emphasized that Iran wanted to restart negotiations with Britain, France and Germany.
The European states, with U.S. backing, were calling for a Feb. 2 meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency to discuss taking action against Iran following Tehran's decision earlier this month to resume small-scale enrichment of uranium - a process that can produce material for atomic reactors or bombs.
Iran asked for a ministerial-level meeting with France, Germany, Britain and the European Union, but its decision to resume some uranium enrichment-related activities “means that it is not possible for us to meet under satisfactory conditions to pursue these discussions,” French Foreign Ministry spokesman Denis Simonneau said in Paris.
“Iran must return to a complete suspension of these activities.”
U.S. Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns supported the idea that Iran should suspend its program and return to talks.
“There is a consensus that Iran should turn back, return to negotiations and suspend its nuclear program,” Burns told reporters in Bombay, India, during a South Asia tour. “But that's not the path Iran is on now.”
The Bush administration sent Burns to London to coordinate a strategy with Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia on dealing with Iran. Burns conceded differences remained after Tuesday's meeting.
“We reached a consensus on some points ... others need to be worked on,” he said.
Burns repeated U.S. demands that the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency refer Iran to the Security Council - where it could face sanctions - for resuming research on centrifuges used in uranium enrichment. Russia and China oppose sending Iran to the Security Council.
Earlier today, Iran's foreign minister told state radio the nation's chances of being referred to the Security Council were slim. Manouchehr Mottaki did not give a reason for his view, but emphasized that Iran wanted to restart negotiations with Britain, France and Germany.
The European states, with U.S. backing, were calling for a Feb. 2 meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency to discuss taking action against Iran following Tehran's decision earlier this month to resume small-scale enrichment of uranium - a process that can produce material for atomic reactors or bombs.
The comments below are from users of theworldlink.com and do not necessarily represent the views of The World or Lee Enterprises. Participation Guidelines
Note: There is a maximum of 200 words per comment. If you wish to post more, please visit our forum.
Note: There is a maximum of 200 words per comment. If you wish to post more, please visit our forum.
Not already registered?
The World welcomes your comments about stories, and we encourage a robust dialogue on this site. All comments must meet reasonable standards of decency and civility.
Please follow these basic rules:
- No defamatory comments about individuals or businesses.
- No deliberately false information.
- No obscenity or racially offensive language.
- No harassment, verbal abuse, threats or personal attacks.
- No information that invades another person's privacy.
- No business solicitations or charitable solicitations.
Comments that violate these standards will not be posted. Users with repeated violations may be banned from future posting.Comments will be approved throughout the day during business hours. After hours and weekend comments may not appear until the following business day. It may take a couple of hours before comments are approved.
The World generally does not edit comments, but we reserve the right to edit any comment that does not meet our standards.
Close Guidelines