Straw presses Iran for open door policy
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw on Sunday called on the reclusive Iranian government to clear the way for UN nuclear inspectors to enter the country to assess its capacity for weapons of mass destruction.
The international community is increasingly concerned over Iran’s nuclear weapons capability.
This sentiment was reiterated by Mr. Straw, who demanded that Tehran open its doors as “soon as possible.”
Mr. Straw, who is on a three-day visit to the country, may adopt a carrot and stick approach to the regime.
Mr. Straw may stress that failure to accept inspectors may hinder any chance of securing a trade deal with the European Union and may further delay the lifting of sanctions by the international community.
“If there is no signature, then confidence will not be improved and the international community will be profoundly reluctant to lift the sanctions,” he said.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has already called on Iran to embrace the new protocol on the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty.
IAEA says Tehran should stop further enrichment of uranium.
Iran, which sits uncomfortably on US President Bush’s ‘axis of evil”, will also be warned not to interfere in Iraq’s affairs.
At a joint press conference, Kamal Kharrazi said his government was prepared to sign the new non-proliferation protocol, if the IAEA offered to assist Iran in a non-military atomic programme.
“We are ready for talks and cooperation. But Iran’s transparency should be reciprocated. When Iran signs the protocol, others should also take positive steps,” he said.
Mr. Straw is expected to meet with President Mohammad Khatami on Monday. It is his fourth visit to the country in two years.
