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Q - Speaking of international news, the minister said yesterday that Brazil was causing a problem with regard to the possible Security Council sanctions against Iran.

He did not say that Brazil was causing a problem. We are talking with Brazil, as we are with the other members of the Security Council.

Q - Has there been any progress on this specific issue, regarding the possible sanctions resolution on Iran?

Given the concerns of the international community regarding Iran's nuclear program, work is being carried out at the Security Council with all the members, including Brazil.

Major diplomatic efforts are being carried out in New York. We are currently in the middle of negotiations and work on this topic.

Q - Following the Chinese Foreign Minister's visit, the Quai d'Orsay stated that it had not been able to convince the Chinese of the justifiable need for a new sanctions resolution. Would you say the same thing for Brazil or would you say there is progress?

Discussions are in progress in New York with all of the Security Council members regarding the goal that we all share, i.e. Iran's compliance with its international obligations. We are therefore discussing the best way to achieve this. I want to remind you of the two-pronged approach promoted by the Six, based on dialogue and firmness. […]

Q - […] What can you tell us about France's views regarding unilateral action such as the Americans are considering? Are you discussing measures within the European Union which would go further than a resolution for which there are at least 4 abstentions, plus the Chinese who are creating problems?

For the moment the discussions are ongoing. There is a common goal which hasn't changed. There are also discussions with the presidency, Mrs. Ashton and with everyone. Iran is an issue that we are discussing with all the representatives that we meet. It's an issue of international importance.

Q - Official statements in France have for several weeks now indicated that we share a common objective with the Americans regarding Iran. […] The day before yesterday Mr. James Jones publicly stated that we were now moving towards very harsh sanctions aimed at overturning the Iranian regime. Is this France's position?

The statements made by the IAEA and the "E3+3" and recently by Mrs. Ashton show that we still have a common objective which is to ensure that Iran complies with its international obligations. In order to achieve this common objective we are working together with our partners of the Six on the measures to accomplish it.

Q - You mention discussions. What is the reason for the stalemate? Is it the principle or the contents of the sanctions that the Chinese do not accept?

There have already been 3 resolutions on Iran. The "E3+3" have, to a large extent, proved that they share the same objective: ensuring that Iran complies with its international obligations. We are discussing the ways to achieve it.
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