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EU-US need constructive approach towards Iran, say nuclear experts

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

London, Dec 6, IRNA
Iran Nuclear-Basic
The breakdown of negotiations between Iran and the EU threatens to become a full-scale crisis unless all sides adopt a more constructive and flexible approach, the British American Security Information Council (BASIC) warned Tuesday.

"EU and US policies towards Tehran are unlikely to achieve the objective of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, according to an expert statement published today," it said in a statement issued with other nuclear security exports.

"The US and EU have to recognize the limits of their influence and their threats," the statement said. "Diplomacy and creative compromise on all sides are the only acceptable choice."
Their joint call comes after the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mohamed ElBaradei, warned on Monday against the dangerous game of brinkmanship in the West's dispute with Iran over its nuclear program.

"Everybody would be hurt," ElBaradei said. "You would then open a Pandora's box. There would be efforts to isolate Iran; Iran would retaliate," he said.

In the statement, coordinated by the London-based trans-Atlantic group, the current EU/US strategy was criticized for making 'rigid demands of Iran without adequate treaty authority'.

It 'appears discriminatory and is likely to strengthen the Iranian government's resolve to pursue nuclear technology', it warned.

"Threats to refer Iran to the UN Security Council for punitive action lack credibility and do not have sufficient international support," the nuclear experts said in their joint call with conflict prevention and Middle East analysts as well as writers and musicians.

Those supporting the trans-Atlantic initiative included Professor Robert Hinde, chair of British Pugwash, Hans von Sponeck, former UN humanitarian coordinator for Iraq, Peggy Mason, former chair of the UN Expert Study Group on Verification and Air Marshal Tim Garden, former UK assistant chief of defense staff.

In their call, the EU and US were urged to accept limited nuclear fuel production by Iran, possibly including the production of low- enriched uranium.

They said Iran should be offered a precise and detailed plan of action addressing its economic and security concerns.

In return, the statement suggested Iran should accept continuous, in-country IAEA inspections and stop construction of the heavy water reactor at Arak, which could be a potential source of plutonium for nuclear weapons.

It also warned that stereotyping of Iran and Islamic culture, which was often picked up by the western media, was 'hindering progress'.

"There is no substitute for proper engagement. The half-truths and manufactured fears used to build support against Iraq must not be employed again to demonize Iran," the joint statement warned.

HC/2322/1412