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IRAN/SANCTIONS

Q. - According to an American intelligence report, Iran halted her nuclear weapons programme in 2003. In these circumstances, do you consider it possible and desirable to pass a new resolution on sanctions against Iran?

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PRESIDENT NICOLAS SARKOZY- I take exactly the same position as Mrs Merkel, which can be summarized in two words: firmness and dialogue.

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Q. - Another question about Iran. Is the French proposal to impose sanctions independently of the United Nations to increase the pressure on Iran still valid or is it now void, following the American secret services report?

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NICOLAS SARKOZY- Everyone is well aware of the fact that the Iranian leaders are determined to obtain nuclear weapons. We can argue about how quickly, by which year, but the threat exists. It has led to sanctions being voted by the United Nations.

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But if sanctions were voted and if they mark the start of a dialogue, which both France and Germany want, I do not see why sanctions should be abandoned when the question of access to nuclear weapons by the Iranian leaders remains open.

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