Bush to Iran give up weapons ambitions

WASHINGTON, May 4 (Reuters) President George W Bush has demanded that Iran give up nuclear weapons ambitions ''for the sake of world peace,'' as he and German Chancellor Angela Merkel emphasized diplomacy in dealing with Tehran.

Bush and Merkel, during an hour of Oval Office talks, said it was important for the international community to stay united in the effort to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

''The Iranians must understand that we won't fold, that our partnership is strong, that for the sake of world peace, they should abandon their nuclear weapons amibtions,'' Bush said.

Merkel said she and Bush saw good chances for bringing about a diplomatic solution to Tehran's nuclear ambitions, which Iran says is for generating electricity, not weapons.

''We are in total agreement saying that under no circumstances must Iran be allowed to come into possession of nuclear weapons,'' Merkel said.

REUTERS DKS RK0430