CTindex - Christian Today UK Interactive Catalogue
World

Western powers pressure Iran over nuclear programme

Germany said on Tuesday the international community must push for a faster response from Iran over its nuclear programme, while Washington said a new U.N. report suggested Tehran wanted to acquire nuclear weapons.

Posted: Wednesday, May 28, 2008, 7:56 (BST)
Font Scale:A A A

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said the United States "remains concerned" about Tehran's attitude.

"By failing to cooperate fully and transparently with the IAEA on these matters, we can only conclude it wants to preserve the ability to weaponise," she told reporters aboard Air Force One as President George W. Bush flew to a fundraiser.

"This report apparently demonstrates that Iran has not met its international obligations and continues to violate at least the commitments that it committed to."

SECURITY COUNCIL PRESSURE

Germany's Steinmeier said the ball was in Iran's court.

"Either it is picked up there, and we're getting reasonable answers to our questions, or the entry into talks with the aim of a diplomatic solution to the conflict is further delayed."

"The alternative would then be an increase of international pressure, also through the U.N. Security Council."

The IAEA has been pressing Tehran for answers since Western intelligence said Iran had covertly studied how to design atomic bombs. Iran has dismissed the intelligence as baseless.

Iran has been the subject of three United Nations sanctions resolutions since 2006, all demanding that it cease its nuclear enrichment activities, which it has refused to do.

"Over the past three months, we have worked on a renewed offer programme by the international community, which has been put together and which will probably be handed over to Iran during the first half of June," Steinmeier said.

European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana, who is expected to deliver the updated offer, said on Monday he hoped to go to Iran in the next month to discuss the nuclear issue.



continue to read > 1 | 2
© Reuters 2008. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by caching, framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters.
Have your say on this article
Christian Today Twitter
Google Advertisement
Externally generated - Report offensive links here
World Headline
Holy Land Christians seek urgent prayer

Holy Land Christians seek urgent prayer

With the International Red Cross warning of a “full-blown” humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Bible Societies in the Holy...
Sponsored Features
Enrich your love life, marriage and relationships through education and counselling. Train to become a certified marriage and family educator and change lives for good. Give a disadvantaged young person a brighter future this Christmas. Order "The most transforming time in my life". Why not find out more? Order books for all ages commending the free and sovereign grace of Almighty God.
01582 765448 Friendly printing company for churches, charities and businesses nationwide! Professional website design and web development for businesses and charities
Sanct Maria Abbey, NUNRAW
Cistercian Monastery and Guest House
Bookings: 01620 830 228
Email: nunraw.abbot@yahoo.co.uk
Google Advertisement
Externally generated - Report offensive links here