France will press for “strong sanctions” against Iran
at the United Nations with time running out for a political solution to the standoff over its nuclear ambitions, Prime Minister Francois Fillon said on Wednesday.
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Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
has said Tehran is ready to send its enriched uranium abroad in exchange for more highly enriched fuel to produce medical isotopes.
But the launch of a satellite rocket on Wednesday has fuelled western fears it is planning to build a nuclear weapon, despite its assurances it seeks only to generate electricity.
“The Iranian government has not wanted to accept our offer of dialogue. It has instead rushed forward headlong. So the moment has come to act,” Fillon told a dinner of the French Jewish association Crif.
“I think it’s not too late to use the political process to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear military capacity, but I acknowledge that time is pressing,” he said.
“We are going to seek the adoption of a new resolution at the United Nations incorporating strong sanctions and the European Union must also accept its responsibilities,” he said.
Fillon’s comments echo remarks from President Nicolas Sarkozy who said last month that the United Nations had to adopt strong measures against Iran to persuade it to start meaningful negotiations over its nuclear program.
Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said Thursday that discussions amongst major powers over imposing possible sanctions on Iran will complicate the situation and make it harder to find a diplomatic solution.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to France, Yang said he wanted to see more direct talks between Iran and the international community over Tehran's nuclear ambitions.
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