Goal on Iran is political, not punitive says France

Paris, Mar 10: France is looking for a political solution to the dispute over Iran's nuclear ambitions rather than seeking to punish Tehran, French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said on French radio today (Mar 10, 2006).

''Our goal is political, not at all punitive,'' he told RTL radio when asked whether France backed U.S. demands that the UN Security Council consider sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme.

Referring to a recent meeting with Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani, Douste-Blazy said ''we made proposals, the hand (of compromise) is extended, negotiations are possible.'' On Wednesday, Douste-Blazy criticised Iran for spurning chances to find a solution to the crisis and said France would assume its responsibilities as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Most diplomats expect the 15-national Security Council, which can impose sanctions, to issue a statement first urging Iran to comply with resolutions by the International Atomic Energy Agency's board (IAEA) that it halt all uranium enrichment activities.

Iran, which concealed its nuclear activities from the IAEA for 18 years, denies it is seeking to build a nuclear bomb and says it is being singled out unfairly over its nuclear activities compared to India, Pakistan and Israel.

Tehran says it wants civilian nuclear power to meet the needs of its booming economy.

Reuters