Straw voices Iran nuclear concerns
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has asked Iran’s newly elected, ultra-conservative president to ease international concerns that he may harden the country’s nuclear stance, thus destabilising the Middle East.
Iran’s president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is known for his pro-nuclear stance and the international community is concerned he may disregard his country’s obligations under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, which could lead to a knock on effect in other Middle Eastern states.
In a statement, Mr Straw said: “I hope that under Mr Ahmadinejad’s presidency, Iran will take early steps to address international concerns about its nuclear programme and policies towards terrorism, human rights and the Middle East Peace Process.”
His worries were echoed by Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman, Sir Menzies Campbell.
He warned: “Any attempt to evade their responsibilities under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty could lead to great instability in the Middle East and concerted action against Iran through the United Nations.”
Iran has stated that its nuclear programme as it stands is intended solely for the generation of energy, though the US has claimed that it is for the development of nuclear weapons.
Mr Ahmadinejad won 62 per cent of the vote in Friday’s run-off poll, in a landslide victory over his closest rival and more moderate, Hashemi Rafsanjani.
