France sees some room for manoeuvre with Iran

Paris, Sep 7: French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy indicated today that world powers might be slightly flexible over their demand that Iran suspends uranium enrichment work before starting talks on its nuclear ambitions.

World powers have always said talks with Tehran were conditional on Iran first freezing its enrichment programme.

But speaking to reporters, Douste-Blazy said the timing of any suspension could be discussed.

''The question is to know at what point this suspension takes place in relation to the negotiations,'' he told reporters.

''It's a major question ... which will perhaps emerge as important in the weeks ahead.'' He added that it was vital for the international community to maintain a united approach to Iran's nuclear programme, saying the West could not afford to tackle Tehran without having Russia and China on board.

He also said Iran had to be treated with respect.

''Iran should be considered as a great civilisation ... we need to engage in a dialogue that shows respect for this country,'' he said.

Officials from the five permanent Security Council members -- the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China -- as well as Germany were set to meet in Berlin later today to consider imposing penalties on Iran after it ignored last month's UN Security Council deadline to stop enrichment work.

China and Russia appear reluctant to impose sanctions and question whether Tehran really poses a nuclear threat to the world as the United States and EU believe.

Reuters

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