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EU says nuclear deal with Iran "step in the right direction"

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Brussels, Nov 17, IRNA - Dutch prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende, 
whose country currently holds the current European Union presidency, 
Wednesday said the weekend`s EU-Iran agreement on Iran`s nuclear 
program "is a step in the right direction." 
But he also warned that the EU might still take Iran to the UN 
Security Council if Tehran does not fulfill its commitments to the 
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). 
"Let me be clear, we want Iran to suspend fully and permanently all
enrichment-related and reprocessing activities on a voluntary basis,``
Balkenende told the European Parliament in Strasbourg. 
"Only then can the EU offer Iran prospect of talks on long-term 
cooperation which would benefit both sides, the EU and Iran." 
He said the IAEA should be able to verify Iran`s commitments. "If 
this does not happen we will have no option but to go to the UN 
Security Council,`` said Balkenende. 
The Dutch premier`s statement seems to contradict statements made
by EU officials in Brussels that under the deal, the EU will not refer
Iran to the UNSC. 
NK/1430/1412