Britain will hold fresh talks with Iran in a bid to prevent the Middle East state pursuing its nuclear programme, Jack Straw said today. An Iranian delegation will meet counterparts from the UK, France and Germany in Paris early next week, in what some have termed last-ditch negotiations. The Foreign Secretary’s confirmation of the meeting came at a joint press conference with US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice.
It follows Tony Blair’s threat of United Nations Security Council action against the Iranians last week. The UK could support calling Iran before the security council if it persisted with its programme, the Prime Minister told his monthly press conference. Speaking on a trip to Washington, Mr Straw said it was clear what Tehran had to do, but not whether it would do it. “I hope but I cannot predict that the negotiations at the beginning of next week will be fruitful,” he said.
Ms Rice said the US was “actively supporting the EU three negotiations with the Iranians”. “We have said very clearly that we hope the Iranians will take the opportunity that is being presented to them,” she said. “We have obviously got the security council option for the international community. “We have made that clear. A number of Secretary Straw’s colleagues have made that clear. “I would hope that the Iranians understand that this is their chance.
“They ought to take it and get back on the good side of the international community.” The united front from London and Washington follows Iranian instance that the country would press ahead with what it claimed was a civil nuclear power programme. There had been a difference of emphasis between the US and Europe, with EU countries favouring engagement over tough talking.
Amid hawkish signals from Washington, Mr Straw declared it was “inconceivable” that the US or Israel would bomb Iran.
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=4569664
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