European Powers Discuss Iran Nuclear Referral
12 January 2006
Foreign ministers from Britain, France and Germany are meeting in Berlin to discuss their response to Iran's resumption of nuclear fuel research.
Earlier, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said the talks would focus on whether to call for an emergency session of the International Atomic Energy Agency and ask its governors to refer Iran to the United Nations Security Council.
Russian media quoted Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as saying top envoys from Russia, the United States, China and the three European nations will meet in London next week to discuss the Iran nuclear issue.
In the past, Russia and China have opposed referring Iran to the Security Council.
Western nations are warning that such a referral is more likely now, after Iran resumed nuclear research this week. U.S. and European officials accuse Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons - a charge Iran denies.
Meanwhile, diplomatic sources say that although Iran finished removing U.N. seals from three nuclear sites (Natanz, Pars Trash and Farayand), it will not be able to immediately start enriching uranium.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, and AP.
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