Diplomatic path can succeed with Iran: Rice

Ottawa, Feb 24: Diplomatic efforts to try to persuade Iran tostop work on its nuclear program can work if the internationalcommunity remains united in its dealings with Tehran, U S Secretary ofState Condoleezza Rice has said.

Iran ignored a demand by the United Nations Security Council tohalt uranium enrichment by February 21. Last December, the world bodyimposed sanctions barring the transfer of nuclear technology andknow-how to Iran.

''We've been very clear that we're on a diplomatic path, that webelieve the diplomatic path can succeed if the international communitystays unified in confronting Iran with the consequences of itscontinued defiance of the international community,'' Rice told a newsconference in Ottawa yesterday.

Officials from the Security Council plus Germany will meet inLondon next week to examine the chances of drafting a resolution thatcould impose more restrictions on Tehran.

''We would expect to continue to pursue our Security Council trackas well as to pursue a track that would hopefully lead tonegotiations,'' said Rice, who was in Ottawa for talks with herCanadian and Mexican counterparts.

Russia has questioned the usefulness of additional U N sanctionsagainst Iran, saying the goal was to reach a political solution to dealwith Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

''I believe that everybody understands the importance ofcontinuing to show the Iranians that there is a both a Security Counciltrack if they will not adhere to international standards, and anegotiated track if they will,'' Rice said.

''I expect on that we're all on the same page.''

Reuters

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