Annan chides Iran’s “aggressive” stance in nuclear dispute

Iran Focus: London, May 11 – United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan chided on Wednesday Iran’s “aggressive” stance in the international standoff over its nuclear program and said that Tehran had a responsibility to show that its aim was not to build a nuclear weapon. Iran Focus

London, May 11 – United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan chided on Wednesday Iran’s “aggressive” stance in the international standoff over its nuclear program and said that Tehran had a responsibility to show that its aim was not to build a nuclear weapon.

“I think it is important that the Iranians remain open and that they back away from this aggressive posture, and be open to discussions”, Annan told reporters in New York.

“No-one is saying that they are not entitled to peaceful use of nuclear energy. What is being discussed, is indeed, if it is only nuclear, the international community will need some reassurance, and I would hope that, when a package is put together and they discuss it, including enhanced inspections and other things, the Iranians and the international community will be able to come to a clear understanding”, he said.

“But they have a responsibility to communicate and to show that their intention is peaceful”, he added.

He said that the Security Council was taking the issue “very seriously”.

The Security Council had previously called on Tehran to suspend its uranium enrichment activities. The call fell on deaf ears in Tehran.

Three of the council’s five permanent members are pushing for a Chapter 7 resolution, making the demand legally binding.