Berlin sees Iran nuclear deal as only first step

16 November 2004

BERLIN – The German government said on Tuesday a deal between European Union heavyweights Britain, France and Germany with Iran over Teheran’s nuclear programme was a vital step in the right direction – but that more was needed.

Under the deal agreed earlier this week, Iran is to suspend uranium enrichment for a period of at least three months.

“This agreement is an important step in the framework of global diplomatic efforts aimed at non-proliferation of nuclear weapons,” said the statement.

Berlin made clear, however, that further moves were needed to truly end the crisis over Iran’s nuclear programme which is widely believed to be aimed at producing nuclear weapons.

As a first step the accord must be “implemented in a complete and verifiable manner,” stressed the German government, adding that suspension of uranium enrichment must be verified by Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Once this was achieved, Britain, France and Germany would begin negotiations over a broader long-term accord with Iran covering political, security, economic, technology and nuclear issues, said the statement.

EU states have indicated they would be willing to supply Iran with civilian nuclear technology as part of a larger package in exchange for Teheran giving up nuclear weapons ambitions.

“As a final result the German government expects an accord which covers both legitimate Iranian interests and provides a long-term guarantee that Iran’s nuclear programme will only be used for peaceful purposes,” concluded the statement.

DPA

Subject: German news