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Britain warns Iran over nuclear ambitions |
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Tuesday, 19 October 2004 |
AFP
 LONDON - Iran must "act decisively" to cease its nuclear programme or else face referral to the United Nations Security Council, Britain warned on Tuesday.
Tehran had to act swiftly to allay concerns raised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) about its alleged to acquire nuclear weapons, International Security Minister Denis MacShane said.
"Confidence cannot be restored unless Iran agrees to suspend its fuel cycle activity, including all centrifuge work and uranium conversion," MacShane told a meeting in London.
"They are not necessary for a civil nuclear power generation programme but would give Iran the technologies which would help it towards a military nuclear capability."
Iran stands accused of secretly trying to develop nuclear weapons, a charge it denies.
In September the IAEA called on Iran to "immediately" widen its suspension of uranium enrichment to include all uranium enrichment-related activities, which it has so far refused to do so.
Iran faces a November 25 deadline, after which it risks being referred to the UN Security Council for further action.
"Iran faces a clear choice," MacShane said.
"It can choose to live up to its commitments, comply in full with the (IAEA) board's resolutions, including by putting in place a full and lasting suspension and reap the benefits of the international confidence this would create.
"Or it can spurn the chance to reassure the international community."
He added: "In that case the board will need to discuss additional measures, including very probably referral to the UN Security Council." |
