Chirac warns Iran to stick to nuclear pledge

AFP: French President Jacques Chirac warned Iran to stick to its pledge to European powers to suspend nuclear activities, saying that adherence would give it access to legitimate technology. “In terms of the fight against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, Iran’s case show the path to take,” he told an annual New Year’s meeting of foreign ambassadors in Paris. AFP

PARIS – French President Jacques Chirac warned Iran to stick to its pledge to European powers to suspend nuclear activities, saying that adherence would give it access to legitimate technology.

“In terms of the fight against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, Iran’s case show the path to take,” he told an annual New Year’s meeting of foreign ambassadors in Paris.

“Countries which respect their international obligations in terms on non-proliferation and show proof of the peaceful nature of their activities should be able to benefit from technologies that are allowed under international rules,” he said.

“But no weakness can be shown to those who renege on their commitments,” he said.

Iran froze its uranium enrichment programme on November 22 after long negotiations with France, Britain and Germany.

Several states, particularly the United States, fear Iranian nuclear activities are geared towards producing a nuclear arsenal.