Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=6/16/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=E-U / IRAN (L O)

NUMBER=2-304405

BYLINE=DOUGLAS BAKSHIAN

DATELINE=LUXEMBOURG

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The European Union has expressed concern over Tehran's nuclear activities, and urged it to allow more comprehensive inspections of its nuclear facilities. Douglas Bakshian reports from a meeting of E-U foreign ministers in Luxembourg.

TEXT: In a statement, the ministers said serious concern remains over Iran's nuclear activities, and Tehran should cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The ministers also called for Iran to implement an additional protocol of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty that would allow inspections of suspected sites. Diplomats say the European Union wants Iran to accept more intrusive and short-notice inspections of its nuclear program.

Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, whose country holds the E-U presidency, says the message to Iran is plain.

/// PAPANDREOU ACT ///

The best way to clear this up is to have full transparency as soon as possible. That would be the best way to allay suspicions and restore confidence. And I think this is a message, which should be heeded.

/// END ACT ///

In their statement, the foreign ministers linked Iran's cooperation on nuclear issues with increasing ties between Iran and the European Union, which is currently negotiating a trade and cooperation pact with Iran.

Meanwhile, E-U officials deny that they have said they would support America, if it decides to use force against Iran. But a separate E-U statement on a strategy against weapons of mass destruction said that when diplomatic pressure has failed, the use of force under the U-N charter could be envisioned. Javier Solana, the E-U foreign policy chief, stressed that military action is only a last resort.

The United States accuses Iran of developing weapons of mass destruction. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons, and says it will accept stricter inspections if it receives Western help to develop peaceful atomic energy. (SIGNED)

NEB/DB/KL/RAE/TW