Douste-Blazy Statement on the IAEA Director General's Report on Iran

April 28, 2006
We have seen the IAEA Director General's report. Last month, the international community had called on Iran to answer the IAEA's questions within 30 days and to suspend her enrichment activities. The objective was clearly to re-establish the climate of confidence essential for the resumption of a cooperative relationship and to prevent the worsening of tension in a region already suffering too much of it.
 

Mr ElBaradei's report notes with regret that Iran has not only not responded to this reasonable demand, but has, on the contrary, speeded up her enrichment programme. This is a worrying situation for the whole international community.

Nevertheless we are continuing to tell Iran that the door of negotiation is not shut. It is, however, up to the Iranian leaders to make the gestures which will restore confidence regarding the objectives of their nuclear programme. We remain convinced that a diplomatic solution to this crisis has to be found.

Mr ElBaradei's report is now going to the United Nations Security Council. It will be for it to decide on the next stage. France intends to participate in this decision, with a triple objective: to safeguard the international community's unity, maintain our firm stand and take rapid action to find a solution to this problem as soon as possible.