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french Ministry of Foreign and European Spokesperson remarks on iranian missiles and sanctions

FRENCH MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

January 29, 2010

Excerpts

 

What is your reaction to the launching by Iran of its third Kavoshgar space rocket? Are you concerned that this program could be diverted towards military purposes?

We are very concerned by the Iranian announcements that it has carried out a new ballistic test.

Space launch vehicles and ballistic missiles use common technology. Within the framework of space programs, States should not contribute to the proliferation of ballistic missiles capable of being used to deliver weapons of mass destruction.

This announcement can only reinforce the concerns of the international community at a time when Iran is simultaneously developing a nuclear program, without an identifiable civilian purpose, in violation of five UN Security Council resolutions.

Iran has launched a space rocket and at the same time demonstrated its ballistic capacity. On the same day Tehran is stating that it is prepared to allow uranium to be enriched abroad. Does this proposal seem genuine to you? What is your position? When will sanctions be introduced? What do you think about the latest statements by the Iranian president accepting the international proposal to send uranium abroad?

We have already taken note of this press report of Mr. Ahmadinejad’s remarks.

Since the Director General of the IAEA issued his proposal to produce the fuel to supply the Tehran Research Reactor in October 2009, Iran has as yet not informed the IAEA of its official position. We will only be able to examine, together with our partners, a proposal that has been formally submitted to the IAEA.

This offer should not cause us to forget the international community’s objective: compliance with the UN Security Council resolutions, which demand in particular the suspension of Iran’s uranium enrichment program.

What do you think about Mrs. Ashton’s latest statements which recommend caution with regard to imposing new European sanctions against Tehran?

The Heads of State and Government of the European Union set the tone at the European Council meeting on December 10 and 11. They lent their support to all actions by the UN Security Council aimed at urging the Iranian regime to discuss its sensitive activities and demanded that a debate be initiated on the measures that the European Union could adopt to support this process.

It is within this framework that we are working with our partners.

. . .