Merkel, Sarkozy threaten more Iran sanctions, Sueddeutsche says

Bloomberg: Germany and France may seek further sanctions against Iran if it fails to halt its nuclear program, both nations’ leaders said in an article in German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung.

By Tony Czuczka

Feb. 4 (Bloomberg) — Germany and France may seek further sanctions against Iran if it fails to halt its nuclear program, both nations’ leaders said in an article in German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung.

“We will not permit an Iranian nuclear bomb because this would threaten world peace,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy said in the joint article published in the Munich-based newspaper today.

While both welcomed President Barack Obama’s offer of talks with Iran, Merkel and Sarkozy said they would back “new, very resolute sanctions if necessary” to halt the Iranian threat.

The two leaders said Europe must do more to speak with a single voice in foreign affairs and that they are ready “to develop and restore trusting relations” with Russia after last year’s war between Russia and Georgia.