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Iran warns Europe to make good on nuclear promises

IRNA

Tehran, Dec 21, IRNA -- Iran sent a veiled warning to Europe on 
Sunday to meet its pledges towards Tehran, which has just inked an 
additional protocol to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). 
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi said it was now the 
European Union`s turn to make good on its promises, made during a 
landmark visit of three key European foreign ministers to Tehran in 
October, aimed at fending off a likely crisis. 
"The Islamic Republic has not given any body a signed blank 
check; like what we did, the global community, especially Europe, must
take steps for necessary facilities for Iran`s legitimate use (of the 
nuclear technology)," he said at a weekly news briefing. 
Tehran is under a de facto nuclear embargo, which bans the sale of
nuclear know-how, including goods with double use, to the Islamic 
Republic. 
Asefi said such `tough measures, implemented with regard to 
certain goods under the pretext of being goods of double use must be 
lifted`. 
"We will continue our cooperation only if the global community 
fulfills its own commitments," the official added. 
Iran apparently received assurances from Europe during the visit 
of British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and his French and German 
counterparts Dominique de Villepin and Joschka Fischer to Tehran 
that prompted the country to sign up to an unfettered inspections of 
its nuclear facilities. 
On Thursday, the country signed an agreement at the International 
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) headquarters in Vienna to prove its 
nuclear activities are peaceful. 
The signing poured cold water on a frantic US bid to accuse 
Tehran of pursuing a nuclear arms program. 
Tehran says its nuclear efforts are part of the country`s plan to 
produce 7,000 megawatts of electricity in the next 20 years, when the 
country`s oil and gas reserves become overstretched. 
BH/210 
End