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11 March 2005

U.S. Actively Supports European Diplomatic Efforts with Iran

Rice says U.S. won't object to Iran's WTO application

In order to support the diplomatic efforts of the European Union 3 (EU-3) with Iran, the United States will drop its objection to Iran's application to join the World Trade Organization “and will consider, on a case-by-case basis, the licensing of spare-parts for Iranian civilian aircraft, in particular from the EU to Iran,” says U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

“We share the desire of European Governments to secure Iran's adherence to its obligations through peaceful and diplomatic means,” Rice said March 11.

She added that Iran must live up to its international commitments not to develop nuclear weapons and must also “cease its support for those groups who use violence to oppose Middle East peace.”

The EU-3 -- France, Germany and the United Kingdom -- have been negotiating with Iran on guarantees that Iran is not using a civilian nuclear program as a cover for a weapons program.

Following is Rice’s statement:

(begin text)

U.S. Department of State

Office of the Spokesman

March 11, 2005

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY OF STATE CONDOLEEZZA RICE

U.S. SUPPORT FOR THE EU-3

The United States appreciates the efforts of the European Union 3 (EU-3) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to deal with the Iranian nuclear issue.  President Bush had very good discussions on Iran when he was in Europe which reflect a common view on the way forward.

The Europeans have been very clear with the Iranians that there will have to be certain objective guarantees that Iran is not trying to use a civilian nuclear program to provide cover for a weapons program.

In order to support the EU-3's diplomacy, the President has decided that the U.S. will drop its objection to Iran's application to the World Trade Organization and will consider, on a case-by-case basis, the licensing of spare-parts for Iranian civilian aircraft, in particular from the EU to Iran.

We share the desire of European Governments to secure Iran's adherence to its obligations through peaceful and diplomatic means.  Today's announcement demonstrates that we are prepared to take practical steps to support European efforts to this end.  The spotlight must remain on Iran, and on Iran's obligation to live up to its international commitments.

We also share with European Governments concerns about Iran's record on human rights and democracy and its support for terrorism.  At this moment of historic opportunity, as the U.S. and our allies work together to support progress between the Israelis and the Palestinians, Iran must cease its support for those groups who use violence to oppose Middle East peace.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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