Blair and Bush confront Iran nuclear issue
Iran must suspend its nuclear operations “for the good of the world”, US president George Bush said today.
With British prime minister Tony Blair at his side, Mr Bush insisted the threat of Iran developing nuclear weapons must be resolved diplomatically.
Mr Blair said Britain’s position was “reasonable” and that the issues must be resolved “through the process of multi-lateral instituions”.
Iran is suspected of having a nuclear weapons programme, although Tehran says its development work is for energy purposes only.
Speaking from the White House in Washington, Mr Bush told reporters: “One of the goals that Tony and I have had is to convince others in the world that Iran with a nuclear weapon would be very dangerous.
“The fundamental question is how we achieve that goal. We want to do it diplomatically.
“The Iranians walked away from the table. The first thing they have to do is suspend their operations for the good of the world.
“We will look at all options but it’s their choice right there.
“We have no beef with the Iranian people. The United States respects the culture and history of Iraq. We want there to be an Iran that’s confident. We want women in Iran to be free.
He warned Iran: “If they want to be isolated from the world, we will achieve that.
“If they suspend (the programme) and have the IAEA in and make sure the suspension is real, then of course we will talk about ways forward.”
Asked if the United Nations was fit to tackle the problem, Mr Blair said: “We want to have these things resolved through the process of multi-lateral institutions.
“The Iranian people are a great people, it is a great country, but it needs a government that is going to recognise that part of being a great country is being in line with international obligations.
“Our position on Iran is a very reasonable one. We want to see how we can make progress.
“They must understand that the will of the international community is sure and it is clear.
“That is that the obligations upon them have got to be adhered to.”
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