European powers are still keen to talk to Iran about its sensitive nuclear programme despite calling off a meeting scheduled for August 31st, French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said today.
Britain, France and Germany cancelled negotiations next week on proposals they made to Iran earlier this month because Tehran has resumed some nuclear work in breach of a promise to freeze such activities while talks lasted, France said yesterday.
Mr Douste-Blazy said the trio, acting for the European Union, were not slamming the door on Iran, which the United States suspects may be taking preliminary steps towards making atomic weapons.
French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy
"We are suspending the negotiations," he told France Inter radio. "But at the same time, we think it is still possible to talk to them ... There is no reason to close the door on Iran."
The International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, has called on Iran to halt atomic work. IAEA head Dr Mohamed ElBaradei will report on its activities on September 3rd.
"Until the last minute, we hope to be able to talk to them," Mr Douste-Blazy said. "If they don't want to, if they decide to take nuclear (steps) for military reasons, we will know on September 3rd because Mr El Baradei ... will give us his report."
Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Wednesday that Tehran was also interested in continuing talks and that he hoped to offer a new proposal on the issue soon.
But speaking to reporters, he insisted Iran would "defend the rights of our nation seriously and vigorously".
In Washington, the State Department said the United States remained concerned about Tehran's nuclear programme despite reported findings by scientists that bomb-grade uranium traces found in Iran came from contaminated Pakistani equipment.