UN must tighten sanctions on Iran – U.S.
Washington, 3 August (IranVNC)—The U.S. today said that the United Nations has “no choice” but to tighten sanctions on Iran for its defiance of international demands to suspend its uranium enrichment work – which the West fears could be used to build a nuclear weapon.
By: IranVNC
Published: Sunday, August 03, 2008
20:00GMT—4:00PM/EST
US – IRAN – ISRAEL – NUCLEAR
Washington, 3 August (IranVNC)—The U.S. today said that the United Nations has “no choice” but to tighten sanctions on Iran for its defiance of international demands to suspend its uranium enrichment work – which the West fears could be used to build a nuclear weapon.
“It is clear that the government of Iran has not complied with the international community’s demand to stop enriching uranium and isn’t even interested in trying,” Reuters quoted Richard Grenell, spokesperson for the US mission to the United Nations, as saying.
He continued: “They leave the Security Council no choice but to increase the sanctions, as called for in the last resolution passed.”
Grenell’s statement came one day after a deadline set by major powers to respond to an offer not to expand sanctions if Iran temporarily freezes its nuclear work.
But Iran has repeatedly dismissed the deadline, saying its nuclear program is aimed at generating peaceful nuclear energy.
Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who yesterday said his country would not retreat “one iota” from its nuclear “right”, told reporters today that Iran was “serious’ in the negotiations and that he hoped they would lead to “practical and concrete results.”
Israel today also called for increased sanctions on Iran given the Islamic Republic’s failure to meet the deadline, warning the international community against showing any signs of “weakness” in the nuclear row.
Speaking on the American news network, CNN, Israel’s Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said: “It is clear that Iran doesn’t pay attention to talks, and this is a clear message to the international community to continue with real and effective sanctions.”
“The international community is being watched, not only by Iran, but also by Iran’s neighbors. And when the international community shows hesitation, this is being perceived as weakness,” she added.
EU foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, who has led international negotiations with Iran, is expected to hold talks “soon” with Iran’s top nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili.
“We expect a contact between Mr. Solana and Mr. Jalili soon by phone,” Reuters quoted Solana’s spokesperson, Cristina Gallach, as saying.
Sources: Reuters, AFP
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