THE MINISTER: You know the situation. Iran's response isn't what we expected. Moreover, the IAEA Director General concluded in his report that Iran isn't implementing UNSCR 1696. We have to discuss together what to do next in the framework of what the resolution had decided. I remind you that UNSCR 1696 was passed unanimously, and, of course, it commits us. So it's normal for the experts from the Six to consult each other next week. That's a first point.
The second is that this morning we Europeans assessed the situation. We're united in considering our three key words to be unity, firmness and dialogue. With this in mind, Mr Solana and the Iranian negotiator have to hold talks soon. The High Representative is our representative, he needs to obtain, on our behalf, clarifications on certain aspects of the Iranian position. Mr Solana has our wholehearted support. Here I'm not speaking only for France, I mean that he has the support of all the Europeans, that's one of this morning's conclusions.
Third point, on our French position. Yesterday, the Prime Minister expressed our regret that Iran has not replied positively to the offer of cooperation made to her. We hope she will change her position. Of course, we're giving priority to dialogue. Philippe Douste-Blazy said so, yesterday, when presenting the French position, it's the main message he wanted to convey yesterday. We're giving priority to the dialogue, but, of course, it's important for the international community to get Iran to understand that she needs to change her position, suspend her enrichment activities and so comply with UNSCR 1696. Let me add that we are convinced that it's in Iran's interest to return to the concert of nations, grasp the opportunity currently offered to her, particularly since the offer made at the beginning of June, and so choose the path of cooperation which the international community has proposed to her.
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Q: As regards Iran, can there concurrently be negotiations and sanctions? Have any member States spoken out against sanctions?
THE MINISTER: We're not at that point. In the process set in train in the United Nations framework, a step has already been taken with UNSCR 1696. Yes, the discussion has begun. It's normal, after stating that Iran hadn't implemented the resolution, for us to ponder the consequences we draw from this and the different possibilities which may present themselves. For the rest, we want, through dialogue and the contact the High Representative is shortly going to have with the Iranian negotiator, there to be a discussion to remove a number of ambiguities and provide clarifications where necessary. This is something we're still waiting for. The Iranian reply is long and complex, and we wanted to study it in detail before asking for clarifications. This is the framework of the mandate for Mr Solana's mission. He has our full support. This is a delicate moment; this meeting is one of the elements which will help us think about the future. We want dialogue to prevail, while drawing attention to the framework in which the international community is reflecting...