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London
17 March 2009
In a major speech, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown warned Iran that
by continuing to enrich uranium, it faces tougher international
sanctions.
Speaking at a major international nuclear energy
conference in London, the British prime minister underlined
that Iran has the same right to a peaceful civil nuclear program as any
other country and he said under the right conditions, Britain and other
states would be willing to help Iran in that endeavor.
But
Britain and some others in the West continue to have reservations about
Iran's nuclear activities. Mr. Brown said Tehran now faces a choice.
"Iran's
current nuclear program is unacceptable. Iran has concealed its
nuclear activities, refused to cooperate with the IAEA, flouted U.N.
Security Council resolutions and its refusal to play by the rules
leaves us to view its nuclear program as a critical proliferation
threat," he said. "Iran therefore faces a clear choice. To continue in
this way and face further and tougher sanctions or change to a U.N.
overseen civil nuclear energy program that will bring the greatest
benefits to its citizens."
Gordon Brown said the possibility of a new dialogue has now emerged and that represents an offer Tehran must take up.
"I
hope that Iran will make the right choice and take advantage of the
international community's willingness to negotiate, including President
Obama's offer of engagement rather than face further sanctions and
regional instability," he said. "So I urge Iran once again to work with
us, rather than against us upon this. The opportunity to do so remains
on the table and the choice is Iran's to make."
Mr. Brown said
nuclear power had a part to play as the world tries to wean itself off
fossil fuels under the growing threat of climate change. And the prime
minister stressed that in the coming years, ways must be found to help
non-nuclear states obtain civilian nuclear power to meet energy needs.
Iran maintains its enrichment program has been part of a peaceful civilian energy program.
Overtures
of diplomatic engagement from the Obama administration have so far been
met with a mixed response from Iran. And past sanctions have failed to
deter the state from proceeding with its nuclear research activities.
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