Bloomberg: France today rejected an Iranian proposal to resume talks with the European Union on its nuclear program until the Islamic Republic suspends research which could lead to the production of nuclear weapons. Jan. 18 (Bloomberg) — France today rejected an Iranian proposal to resume talks with the European Union on its nuclear program until the Islamic Republic suspends research which could lead to the production of nuclear weapons.
“The unilateral resumption of sensitive activities announced by Iran on Jan. 9 means it is not possible for us to meet in satisfactory conditions to pursue these talks,” said Denis Simonneau, a spokesman for the French Foreign Ministry, on the ministry’s Web site today. “Iran must first return to a full suspension of these activities.”
Iran this week wrote to Britain, France and Germany, the so- called EU-3 representing the EU in talks on Iranian atomic activities, offering to continue discussions on its decision to resume nuclear fuel cycle research.
The U.S. and the three EU members said on Jan. 12 that negotiations have failed to persuade Iran to stop processing nuclear fuel. The four countries want the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency to hold an emergency vote to refer the matter to the Security Council, where Iran may face censure or sanctions.
The EU wants IAEA governors to convene on Feb. 2, Simonneau said.
Iran’s decision to resume research on the nuclear fuel cycle followed two years of voluntary suspension designed to underline Tehran’s contention that its nuclear program is peaceful. A majority vote in the 35-member board of the IAEA, the UN’s nuclear watchdog, is required for a referral to the Security Council.
