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Q The President last year set a deadline for the end of 2009 for Iran to begin showing some compliance with the international agencies when it comes to its nuclear program. Has there been any movement? If not --
MR. GIBBS: Has there been any movement?
Q By the Iranians that we don't know about, and if not, what's the next step?
MR. GIBBS: Well, the next step is ongoing, and that is working with our partners in the P5-plus-1 and throughout the international community in looking at the next steps to hold Iran accountable. We have said and made clear throughout this process that they should act and demonstrate living up to their responsibilities, that failure to act would result in consequences. And we're in the process of, as you've heard the President discuss, developing what those consequences are with our international partners.
I would say that -- and you've heard the President speak on this now, both in Oslo and over the Christmas break -- that we've noticed continued divisions within Iran, including much greater calls for universal rights and universal values. And we are watching those closely as well.
Q Should we expect that when the United Nations reconvenes, the United States will push for the economic sanctions that they have -- that you guys have threatened?
MR. GIBBS: I think that working with our partners and working throughout the international community, we will take steps to develop what those consequences are and move those forward.
Q When the U.N. reconvenes?
MR. GIBBS: I don't know if it will -- I don't know the exact day that that will be, understanding that we have begun, and had begun even before the end of the year, initial discussions both within the administration on what can be done, as well as with our international partners.
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Q To follow up on Jake's question about Iran, you said the next step is ongoing. How much is that complicated by the very direct statement from the Chinese ambassador to the United Nations that now is not the time for sanctions at all -- they shouldn't be discussed; diplomacy and continued dialogue with Iran must take precedence?
MR. GIBBS: Well, we have --
Q Now, not just 2009 but currently.
MR. GIBBS: But not to -- we have discussed with the Chinese -- I think the notion that we're not in discussions with the P5-plus-1 -- I'm not entirely sure that he said the word "discuss."
Q "Now is not the right moment for sanctions because diplomatic efforts are still ongoing."
MR. GIBBS: Right. Again, like I said, I don't think he said the word "discuss," meaning I don't want either my answer or your question to leave the impression that we haven't been in discussions with the Chinese, the Russians, and our partners in the P5-plus-1, as well as in international efforts involving the IAEA and others to address the nuclear weapons capability of Iran.
Look, Major, I don't -- obviously there are countries that have always had varying degrees of interest in the timing of different consequences. We understand that and we're working with folks in order to bring them along on this path.
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