Iran nuclear position 'unchanged'

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Baconsticks
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Iran nuclear position 'unchanged'

Postby Baconsticks » Sat Jul 05, 2008 11:22 pm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7491180.stm
Iran says its stance on its nuclear programme remains unchanged, despite an EU offer of incentives to suspend uranium enrichment.

A government spokesman said the country was prepared to negotiate with major world powers, but insisted the talks must address Iran's nuclear rights.

He was speaking a day after Iran formally responded to the EU offer.

Correspondents say the latest statement suggests Iran is not ready to slow down its nuclear activities.

The exact content of both the EU proposal and the Iranian response have not yet been made public.

In the first official comments since Iran submitted its response to the EU, spokesman Gholamhossein Elham said that Iran "will not go back on its rights on the nuclear issue".

"Iran's stand regarding its peaceful nuclear program has not changed. Iran insists on negotiations while respecting its rights and avoiding any loss of international rights," he said.

The BBC's John Leyne in Tehran said it is difficult to see how any talks will last if Iran is unwilling to compromise on its nuclear programme.

Incentives



Stark choice in Iran policy battles

The incentives package from China, the EU, France, Russia, the UK and US was offered to Iran by EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana in June.

Mr Solana also asked Iran to accept a six-week freeze on further developments on its controversial programme, in return for a similar freeze on new UN sanctions.

Separately, the EU also imposed new sanctions on Iran in June.

The incentives package builds on a previous offer of 2006 and says that if Iran suspends uranium enrichment, then talks can start about a long-term agreement.

On offer is recognition of Iran's right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and the treatment of Iran in "the same manner" as other states under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Iran would get help with developing nuclear power stations and be guaranteed fuel for them.

It would also be offered trade concessions, including the possible lifting of US sanctions preventing it from buying new civilian aircraft and parts.

Tehran has consistently denied Western claims that it is seeking to build a nuclear weapon, saying its programme is peaceful.

It has repeatedly rejected demands to halt enriching uranium, which can be used as fuel for power plants or material for weapons if refined to a greater degree.

Our correspondent says it may be significant that the latest tough comments came from an official close to President Ahmadinejad.

Some officials have hinted that a compromise could be possible, but the president has repeatedly restated his commitment to the nuclear programme.
Personally, I think It's good that Iran has a nuclear program. Israel needs something to stop it from being a douche.
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Postby Arloest » Sat Jul 05, 2008 11:34 pm

I don't blame Iran one tiny bit for this. If I was in Iran, surrounded by countries like Afghanistan and Israel off to the west, I sure as hell would want some defense.
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Postby TyVulpine » Sat Jul 05, 2008 11:35 pm

The U.N. nor the E.U. nor the USA has any right really to say who can have nuclear power and who can't. We don't have jurisdiction in those countries, so can't really do anything about it.

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Postby Mista_B » Sat Jul 05, 2008 11:51 pm

Well, the US pretty much blew it's military wad all over Iraq, along with it's economy, international influence, international respect, a ton of soldiers, and a great deal of the goodwill of its own citizens.

Yeah at the point the only country that could do anything to Iran would be maybe China, and they don't give a care.
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Postby Muninn » Sun Jul 06, 2008 6:50 am

Personally I'd not like to see an Iran as assertive and potentially dangerous as Israel is because they'll probably be just as big dicks in such a scenario.

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Postby nickspoon » Sun Jul 06, 2008 12:11 pm

The EU and the UN, while they do not have jurisdiction according to the laws of Iran, do have an obligation to uphold nuclear non-proliferation. If even one rogue state were to construct and launch a nuclear weapon, in all likelihood it would result in full-scale nuclear war. Modern nuclear weapons make the destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki seem minute. We as a race cannot afford not to issue sanctions if there is any possibility that Iran will launch a nuclear weapon.

On the other hand, if Iran just want a nuclear deterrent, then, whilst I disagree with the concept, the fact is that Britain, the US, France and many other countries also have that system in place. Disallowing them that would be terribly hypocritical, but due to the instability of Iran and aforementioned reasons (a nuclear deterrent by definition means nuclear capability) I believe wholly necessary.
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Postby Tom Flapwell » Mon Jul 07, 2008 9:39 pm

Yeah at the point the only country that could do anything to Iran would be maybe China, and they don't give a care.
I think they do care -- but the other way.
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Postby Baconsticks » Wed Jul 09, 2008 5:22 pm

Update

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7496765.stm

Iran missile test 'provocative'


The US and Israel have condemned Iran after it test-fired a long range missile capable of reaching Israel.

Iran state media said nine missiles were tested in total, including a new Shahab-3, with a range of 2,000km (1,240 miles).

Iran has tested the missile before, but the latest launch comes amid rising tensions with the US and Israel over the country's nuclear programme.

US Under-secretary of State William Burns said the test was "provocative".

He told a Congressional hearing: "We view force as an option that is on the table but a last resort.


"Israel should prepare itself to do what is needed to do."
Ze'ev Boim
Israeli minister

"We do not believe we have exhausted all the diplomatic possibilities."

Mr Burns also told a Capitol Hill foreign affairs committee that UN sanctions on Iran were having the desired effect - by putting the brakes on its nuclear programme.

He said that although Tehran was trying to foster the perception its nuclear programme was advancing, "real progress has been more modest".

He said Iranian scientists had not yet perfected the technique of enriching uranium. Iran insists its nuclear programme is purely for civilian energy.

In the Israeli parliament, Housing Minister Ze'ev Boim said: "I suggest Israel will not talk, and Israel should prepare itself to do what is needed to do."

The early morning launches at a remote desert site sent oil prices climbing.

Two other types of missile with shorter ranges were also fired as part of the Great Prophet III war games being staged by Iran's military.

Brig Gen Hoseyn Salami, commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' air force, said: "Our missiles are ready for shooting at any place and any time, quickly and with accuracy.

"The enemy must not repeat its mistakes. The enemy targets are under surveillance."


The tests are intended to deter any Israeli or US strike against Tehran's nuclear installations, says BBC diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus.

Our correspondent - who is in Israel - says the country has a fully operational anti-ballistic missile system, which Israeli military experts believe can counter any Iranian threat.

But there is no room for complacency, he adds.

On Monday, an adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader said it would retaliate against any military attack by hitting the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.

'Joke'

Other commanders have threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which a large part of the world's oil flows, and to target the US and its allies around the world if Iran comes under attack.

A White House spokesman condemned the Iranian test, as did both the American presidential candidates.

Describing Iran as a "great threat", the Democratic challenger, Barack Obama, called for tougher sanctions while his Republican rival, John McCain, said the test demonstrated the need for effective missile defence.

The French, German and Italian governments also expressed concern at the missile tests.

But Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has insisted his country had no intention of attacking Israel.

Speaking on a visit to Malaysia on Tuesday, Mr Ahmadinejad said Iran did not fear an attack by the US or Israel over its nuclear activities, dismissing the possibility as a "joke".

Western leaders have been attempting to convince Tehran to stop enriching uranium, which it has continued despite the imposition of sanctions by the UN and the European Union.
I'm sorry but, what the pants? "White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe called on Iran to "refrain from further missile tests if they truly seek to gain the trust of the world"." But it's okay to invade other nations and use high explosives on civilians? Get some perspective.
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