At the UN’s General Assembly in New York, Europeans are trying to convince US to resort to a diplomatic approach towards Iran, as well as to give Iran further time to comply with IAEA’s resolution. At the same time, there are debates over the possibility that Iran, given more time, would abuse her “rights” under the Non-Proliferation treaty. Addressing reporters in New York the US Foreign Secretary, Colin Powell, said he has had an official meeting with all 25 EU members for the first time since the General Assembly was convened. Iran and its nuclear program was extensively discussed, he said, adding that he is working together with EU countries and together they are hoping to reach a coordinated approach to dealing with Iran. He repeated that through diplomatic pressure we are seeking a coordinated way to convince Iran to comply with IAEA’s resolution.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Silvan Shalom, in a separate talk to reporters said “We know that Europeans are trying now to engage with the Iranians, but we know that the Iranian’s will never abandon their plans to develop nuclear weapons. They are only trying to hide it.” He demanded for Iran to be referred to the UN’s Security Council but evaded questions regarding the possibility of Israeli military action against Iran.
In response to reporters’ questions about US view on Israel’s assertions, Colin Powell repeated that US is hoping to end this dispute with Iran through diplomatic means.
Iran’s right to produce nuclear fuel was one of the issues extensively debated at the IAEA’s meetings prior to reaching an agreement on Iran on Saturday 18th September. Once again this has become the subject of discussions at the fringe meetings of the UN General Assembly.
Some analysts and officials argue that this right is enshrined in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The head of atomic energy agency, Dr. Al-Baradei, warned that the right can not be granted to some and not to others. Those who agree with him believe that there are inequities in the non-proliferation regime which allows counties like Iran to take advantage of it.
Mohammed Khatami, Iran’s president told news agencies “This right is enshrined in non-proliferation treaty and we will not give it up”. However, he has undertaken to fully cooperate with the non-proliferation program provided this right is recognised by international community.
