Interview Given by M. Laurent Fabius, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Europe 1 (Excerpts)

January 30, 2014

Weapon Program: 

  • Nuclear

Q. -With Iran, the negotiations are resuming in New York in mid-February.

THE MINISTER -Yes.

Q. -On the six-month agreement and on the military nuclear programme, do you think the Iranians are really going to give up building the bomb and...

THE MINISTER -I have no idea. The first part of the agreement we negotiated is good and is currently being implemented. But it lasts only six months.

The second part will be the moment of truth. Are the Iranians prepared to accept the prospect of moving towards a military nuclear programme or are they simply saying “we'll remain at the threshold level”?

France is firm, but of course we want a solution that would be positive for security.

Q. -But do you trust Hassan Rouhani ?

THE MINISTER -The attitude I've taken since I've been in foreign affairs is this: it's not about whether or not you trust the people in front of you, it's about ensuring they can't deceive you, and for that you must get guarantees.

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