The United Nations Security Council has given Iran until April 28 to suspend its nuclear activities, which the U.S. considers a front for the development of nuclear weapons. Iran maintains the program is only for the production of electricity.
“So far, the reaction of the Iranian authorities has not been helpful,” Barroso told reporters at the Japan National Press Club. “We are doing our best to have a diplomatic solution with Iran.”
Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in April that Iran has joined the “nuclear club” after the country enriched uranium to produce nuclear-reactor fuel. He rejected the Security Council’s demand the program be suspended and said Iran’s right to use of nuclear energy was “non-negotiable.”
Barroso is to meet Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi later today to discuss trade and security issues. The two leaders will then hold a joint press conference.
Barroso, on his first visit to Japan as head of the European Union’s executive arm, three days ago urged Japan to do away with some restrictions on investments that hurt cross- border trade, saying such a move would bring more foreign money into the country.
