Iran reacts sharply to Rice’s remarks

Iran Focus: London, Apr. 14 – Iran’s Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said on Friday that the United States was not in a position to “create a new crisis” over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear pursuit. Iran Focus

London, Apr. 14 – Iran’s Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said on Friday that the United States was not in a position to “create a new crisis” over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear pursuit.

Mottaki was reacting to comments Thursday by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who said that the United Nations Security Council should adopt a resolution under Chapter Seven of the UN charter against Iran for its decision to go ahead with uranium enrichment. Chapter Seven of the UN charter allows for punitive measures such as sanctions if Tehran does not comply.

“I do not see America in a position to create a new crisis”, Mottaki said. “The consequences of America’s actions in the region are enough for decades”.

He said that Iran was not prepared to adhere to any demands by the international community over its nuclear program more than those stipulated in the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

He said countries in the Middle East region did not support America’s stance.

Manouchehr Mottaki arrived in Harare late Thursday and held talks with Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe.