Paris: France on Wednesday called for unprecedented
sanctions if Iran continues to defy the world over its atomic
programme after the UN nuclear watchdog said Tehran had worked
on nuclear weapons technology.
"If Iran refuses to abide by the demands of the
international community and rejects all serious cooperation,
we are prepared to adopt, with those countries that follow,
unprecedented sanctions," the foreign ministry said in a
statement.
"The unprecedented report that the International Atomic
Energy Agency has just published strengthens France`s profound
concern about Iran`s nuclear programme," it said.
The ministry said that activities noted in the IAEA`s
report "are in violation of UN Security Council resolutions
and the IAEA`s governing council. They have no credible civil
purpose."
The report`s elements on "militarisation activities, along
with the accumulation of enriched uranium and the intensive
pursuit of ballistic tests paint a picture that leaves little
doubt about Iran`s intentions."
"All of this means that Iran has sought, and apparently
continues to seek, the nuclear bomb under the cover of an
alleged civilian and peaceful programme."
The IAEA`s report yesterday said it had "serious concerns
regarding possible military dimensions to Iran`s nuclear
programme."
"This information indicates that Iran has carried out
activities relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive
device," it said.
PTI
