France repeats need for diplomatic Iran solution

Paris, June 8: France today reiterated the need for a diplomatic, rather than military solution to the crisis over Iran's nuclear programme, noting Tehran risked becoming isolated if it did not return to the negotiating table.

Asked by France 2 television about Washington's refusal to rule out the use of military force against Iran, French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said: ''We're absolutely not there. We must first talk diplomacy. Only diplomacy can count.'' Washington, which broke ties with Tehran in 1980, wants a diplomatic solution and has offered to join direct talks with the Iranians. But it has refused to rule out military action.

Douste-Blazy said it was an important step that the United States had decided to support European nations' efforts to solve the Iran crisis.

''The Americans have made a big step forward, which is a big success for European diplomacy,'' he said.

Six major powers have proposed a package of incentives and penalties aimed at persuading Iran to give up enriching uranium, which the West fears will be used to build atomic bombs, but Tehran insists is purely for civilian use.

The offer, which was agreed by the United States, China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany, included for the first time a US pledge to join European-led talks if Iran halts all enrichment and reprocessing-related nuclear activities.

Douste-Blazy said Iran now had to come back to talks.

''Either Iran comes back to the negotiating table and gives us clear signs so that we can have confidence again ...(or) Iran does not listen to our proposal and does not want to come back to talks. Then it takes the major risk of being totally isolated.''

Reuters

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