Blair cautious about future of EU-Iran nuclear talks
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
London, May 12, IRNA
UK Blair-Iran
Prime Minister Tony Blair expressed caution Thursday about the future of EU negotiations with Iran on reaching long term arrangements on its nuclear program, insisting "we have to make sure this diplomatic process works."
"There's no point in speculating what happens down the line if you reach an impasse," Blair said at his first press conference since his re-election last week.
"There's a lot of processes that have to be gone through before you're at that point, not least the Security Council," he said in reference to Iran insisting on renewing parts of its nuclear fuel program.
The British premier was adamant that Britain, which has been heading negotiations with France and Germany, had to make sure this diplomatic process works. "We'll fight very hard to do that," he emphasized.
Asked whether Britain supported the US in keeping all options on the table, including the possibility of military action, he said that President George W Bush was "perfectly sensible" in not taking any options off the table.
"What he went on to say, and was very sensible too, is that nobody is talking about invasions of Iran or military action against Iran," Blair added.
The British premier was also cautious when questioned earlier on what the consequences if Iran went ahead and resumed its enrichment of uranium program, saying "let's wait and see what actually happens."
"But we certainly will support the referral to the UN Security Council, if Iran breaches its undertakings and obligations," he insisted.
"Quite how that will come about we have got to work out with our colleagues and allies. But those international rules are there for a reason and they have to be adhered to," Blair said.
HC/2326/1412
::IRNA No.046 12/05/2005 19:12 --End
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