France Demands Iran Halt Uranium Enrichment
Ryan R. Jones - All Headline News Middle East Correspondent Jerusalem, Israel (AHN) - French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy Wednesday demanded Iran halt its uranium enrichment efforts as a precondition for any further negotiations over its nuclear program. Douste-Blazy told a Paris news conference, "As we have always said... a return to the negotiating table is tied to the suspension of uranium enrichment." Tehran on Tuesday presented foreign envoys with a written response to a package of incentives offered by the US and European powers if Iran halts its nuclear program. Top Iranian negotiator Ali Larijani said the detailed letter represented an opportunity to reengage "serious negotiations," but state-run media reported that Iran's leadership made clear it would not stop enriching uranium and expected the outcome of any talks to be the West's acceptance of its right to nuclear technology. A short time later US Ambassador to the UN John Bolton told reporters Washington had begun working on a draft Security Council resolution imposing harsh economic sanctions on Iran. Russia, meanwhile, said that it would continue to seek a diplomatic solution to the crisis, despite Tehran's defiance. China also indicated it would not back severe measures in the Security Council, with officials in Beijing telling the AP that China was urging all parties involved "to remain calm and patient, show flexibility, stick to the o |
