Iran’s relations with world enter new phase: Italy

Reuters: Italy said on Wednesday it was deeply concerned by Iran’s decision to resumed nuclear fuel research, adding that relations between Tehran and the international community had entered a new stage. ROME (Reuters) – Italy said on Wednesday it was deeply concerned by Iran’s decision to resumed nuclear fuel research, adding that relations between Tehran and the international community had entered a new stage.

“Iran’s determination to pursue its nuclear programme outside the boundaries of agreed deals is a motive for constant, deep concern,” Foreign Minister Gianfranco Fini said.

Fini said Iran gave the impression of wanting to challenge the outside world over its nuclear aspirations, but he warned that it would not be able to split the international community.

“We are entering a new phase in relations with Tehran, and the international community will find the most efficient way to tackle this. I hope that good sense prevails in Iran,” Fini added in a statement.

Iran removed U.N. seals at uranium enrichment research facilities on Tuesday and announced it would resume “research and development” on producing uranium fuel in apparent violation of a 2004 international accord.

Italy has traditionally enjoyed good diplomatic relations with Tehran and was Iran’s largest trading partner in Europe according to 2004 data.