Iran Focus: Tehran, Iran, May 21 Iran announced on Sunday that it would not suspend its uranium enrichment activities despite an offer of nuclear assistance from Britain, France, and Germany the EU-3 if it did so.
Iran says it will not suspend enrichment despite offer
Concern in Iran after a scholar is held 3 weeks
New York Times: An Iranian philosopher and writer who also holds Canadian citizenship has been detained for three weeks without formal charges, raising concerns that his arrest could signal greater repression of intellectuals.
Iran rejects plan floated by Security Council
AP: World powers are considering dropping U.N. Security Council discussion of Iran’s nuclear program if Tehran agrees to suspend uranium enrichment, but could push for sanctions backed by the threat of force if the Islamic state refuses, diplomats said Saturday.
Security Council may alter involvement in Iran
AP: World powers are considering dropping U.N. Security Council involvement in Iran’s nuclear file if Tehran agrees to suspend uranium enrichment but could push for sanctions backed by the threat of force if Iran refuses, diplomats said Saturday.
PM blasts Iran ‘plan’ to label Jews
Toronto Sun: Prime Minister Stephen Harper yesterday blasted Iran’s “absolutely abhorrent” plan to make Jews and Christians wear coloured labels, as Iranian politicians denied the anti-Semitic law was even in the works.
Iraq forms government but security posts unfilled
AFP: Iraq on Saturday formed its first permanent post-invasion government, a national unity coalition aimed at uniting a country torn by sectarian bloodshed but still lacking ministers in key security posts.
Democrats ask Bush for Iran intel update
AP: Senate Democrats, saying they want to “avoid repeating mistakes made in the run-up to the conflict in Iraq,” sent President Bush a letter Friday urging him to direct the nation’s intelligence agencies to prepare an updated National Intelligence Estimate on Iran.
EU asks US to consider plane sales to Iran
Reuters: European countries have asked the United States to consider selling new airplanes to Iran as part of a proposed package of incentives aimed at resolving the nuclear crisis with Tehran, diplomats said on Friday.
EU aims to offer Iran atomic plants, fuel: diplomat
Reuters: Germany, Britain and France have proposed offering Iran a number of incentives to abandon its nuclear enrichment program, including nuclear power plants and guarantees of atomic fuel, an EU diplomat said.
Western powers disagree on elements of Iran proposal
New York Times: The United States and Europe are divided over the latest phase of their negotiating strategy on Iran, with the Bush administration resisting a new European offer that includes a proposal for a Middle East security “framework” for Iran if it gives up its nuclear activities, diplomats from each side said Friday.
