Tough Sanctions Could Still Work in Iran, Gates Says
by fred w. baker III, american forces press service
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
February 7, 2010
Excerpts
ROME, Feb. 7, 2010 – There is still time to toughen sanctions to pressure Iran into complying with international demands that it halt its nuclear program that many believe is geared toward developing a nuclear weapon, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today.
“If the international community will stand together and bring pressure to bear on the Iranian government, I believe there is still time for sanctions and pressure to work,” Gates said at a press event alongside Italy’s minister of defense Ignazio La Russa.
“But we must all work together,” he added.
Gates did not comment on specific proposed sanctions, but did say he supported those that target the government of Iran and not its people.
“We have seen what is going on inside Iran. I think the international community does not want the Iranian people to suffer more hardship than is absolutely necessary,” he said.
. . .