CTindex - Christian Today UK Interactive Catalogue
World

EU and U.S. seek to turn up pressure on Iran

Posted: Tuesday, June 10, 2008, 16:32 (BST)
Font Scale:A A A
The United States and the European Union sought on Tuesday to turn up the pressure on Iran to drop its nuclear enrichment programme, saying they were ready to go beyond a latest round of U.N. sanctions.

But President George W. Bush acknowledged the limits of U.S. influence over Tehran and, in the twilight of his presidency, appeared resigned to leaving the standoff to his successor.

"I leave behind a multilateral framework to work on this issue," Bush told a news conference after a U.S.-European Union summit at a Slovenian castle.

"A group of countries can send a clear message to the Iranians, and that is: We're going to continue to isolate you we'll find new sanctions if need be, if you continue to deny the just demands of the free world, which is to give up your enrichment programme," he said.

He stopped short of repeating the U.S. position that all options, including military action, remain open, suggesting that no drastic steps were likely before he leaves office. "Now is the time for there to be strong diplomacy," Bush said.

He met Slovenian leaders, who hold the EU's rotating presidency, as well as European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, who has led efforts to get Iran to drop its enrichment programme.

INCENTIVES

Solana is expected to travel to Iran soon to present a new offer by major powers of incentives for it to suspend uranium enrichment, but he has played down prospects of a breakthrough.

"Iran with a nuclear weapon would be incredibly dangerous for world peace," Bush said before setting off for Germany.

He is also due this week to visit France, Britain and Italy. All have roles on the Iranian issue.

A statement released after the three-hour summit said the United States and EU were ready to deploy extra measures against Iran on top of existing U.N. sanctions.

All agree Iran should not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons, a possible outcome of its uranium enrichment program. Tehran insists the program is strictly for civilian purposes.

But it remained unclear how far the Europeans, who rarely echo Bush's harsh rhetoric against Iran and have sometimes been reluctant to get tougher, would be willing to go.



continue to read > 1 | 2
© Reuters 2009. 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.
Google Advertisement
Externally generated - Report offensive links here
World Headline
Former Haggard counsellor: We wish he wouldn't do this

Former Haggard counsellor: We wish he wouldn't do this

A member of Ted Haggard’s now-defunct restoration team says he and the others wish the former megachurch pastor would...
Sponsored Features
Bible Educational Services is committed to telling the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord. Psalm 78: 4. To download free bible lessons or learn about Postal Bible Schools visit 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.
Google Advertisement
Externally generated - Report offensive links here