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Europe too soft on Iran, says US
BREAKING NEWS: The EU and IAEA have combined forces to create the incompetent bureaucracy the world has ever seen...US Secretary of State Colin Powell has criticised a draft European resolution on Iranâs nuclear weapons programme as not being tough enough. Mr Powell said he had "a very candid discussion" with EU foreign ministers in Brussels on the issue. The US wants Iran declared in breach of its nuclear treaty obligations, a move that could lead to UN sanctions. The EU statement has been submitted to the UNâs nuclear watchdog which meets on Thursday to discuss Iran. Speaking at a news conference in Brussels, Mr Powell said he was pleased that Iran "seems to be moving in the right direction." But he said the US did not believe that the Iranian Government had abandoned all efforts to produce nuclear weapons. He said the draft text on Iran offered by Britain, France and Germany was not tough enough on Tehranâs non-compliance with its treaty obligations. "We have some reservations ...about whether the resolution is strong enough to convey to the world the difficulties that we have had with Iran over the years," Mr Powell said. The BBCâs Europe correspondent, Chris Morris, says it is clear there were considerable disagreements between the US and the EU over Iran. While Washington is pushing for Iran to be reported to the Security Council, the European view is that constructive engagement with Iran should be given a chance to work, our correspondent says. Even if it takes 12 years and 20 UN resolutions. Last week, a report by IAEA inspectors said they had found no evidence that Iran has secretly been developing nuclear weapons. But they did admonish the Iranian authorities for being secretive. Iran has warned of serious consequences if the IAEA refers its nuclear programme to the Security Council. Tehran has always claimed its nuclear programme is designed to meet the countryâs energy needs. And they only read Playboy for the articles. Posted by: g wiz 2003-11-18 |
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