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WASHINGTON (Reuters) 30 minutes ago — President George W. Bush backed a Russian proposal to resolve a nuclear stalemate with Tehran and said the United States supported democratic reformers in Iran.
The Bush administration has accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons under the guise of a peaceful nuclear energy program. Washington and its European allies want Iran referred to the U.N. Security Council for possible sanctions, but Russia and China have urged caution.
CNN News - Aerial photo of Natanz nuclear complex, where Iran resumed operations earlier this month.
People ought to be allowed to have civilian nuclear power, Bush told a White House news conference. But he said he did not believe “non-transparent regimes that threaten the security of the world” should be allowed to gain the technology necessary to make an atomic weapon.
Bush laid out conditions for an “acceptable alternative” for Iran.
“That the material used to power the plant would be manufactured in Russia, delivered under IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) inspectors to Iran, to be used in that plant, the waste of which will be picked up by the Russians and returned to Russia.”
“I think that is a good plan,” he said. “The Russians came up with the idea and I support it.”
ITAR-TASS: Russia proposal gives good chances for Iran nuke solution-Bush
…
≈ Cross-posted from recent diaries — US Warns India over Iran Stance ≈
Washington has warned India a landmark deal giving it US nuclear technology may fall through if Delhi does not back a UN motion against Iran.
The deal could “die in Congress” if India does not vote against Iran at a meeting of the UN nuclear watchdog, US Ambassador David Mulford said.
The US is pursuing action against Iran over its apparent nuclear ambitions.
President George Bush will strong-arm
PM Singh over Iran vote.
India says it rejects any attempt to tie its stance on Iran to its deal with the US on acquiring nuclear know-how.
‘Test of credibility’
Washington agreed last year to share advanced civilian nuclear technology with Delhi, lifting sanctions triggered by India’s nuclear tests in 1998.
● UN Security Council Iraq vote bribe
● Pakistan backs $7bn Iran-India pipeline project
MOSCOW/ST. PETERSBURG, January 25 (RIA Novosti) – Iran’s top negotiator at nuclear talks gave a cautious welcome to Russia’s proposal to establish a joint venture to enrich uranium for Iranian nuclear power plants on Russian territory and said Tehran wanted to continue talks with European Union representatives.
Ali Larijani, who is also the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary, was in Moscow for talks prior to the arrival of a larger delegation, which is due to arrive in the Russian capital on February 13.
[…]
≈ Cross-posted — earlier comment ≈
“But I will not let myself be reduced to silence.”
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