Kerry: Iran Must Show Nuclear Program is Peaceful
by VOA News October 23, 2013
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says it is critical that Iran show to the world it is 'undeniably clear' that its nuclear program is peaceful.
Kerry says it is a major concern for the international community that Iran not be allowed to develop atomic weapons.
The top U.S. diplomat made his remarks after meeting Wednesday in Rome with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The two men also discussed the status of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks and the crisis in Syria.
On Tuesday, Netanyahu said it would be 'very bad' if Iran succeeds in developing nuclear weapons.
Israel and Western nations say Iran is working on an atomic weapons program. Iran has long said its program is peaceful and has been hit with several rounds of sanctions after refusing to halt uranium enrichment.
Last week, talks in Geneva between Iran and the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany ended with upbeat assessments from both sides. More talks among the parties are set for November 7.
The United States, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany want Iran to prove it is not developing nuclear weapons. Iran is seeking relief from international sanctions aimed at forcing it to halt uranium enrichment activities.
Earlier Wednesday, Kerry met in Rome with Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta. The two men discussed Italian media reports that U.S. intelligence officials have intercepted Italian phone calls and other communication lines.
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