The United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany
held informal consultations Tuesday on how to deal with Iran in the
nuclear standoff.
During the 20-minute meeting, the six nations made no decision
on a draft resolution demanding Tehran suspend its controversial
uranium enrichment activities.
The major powers are expected to continue their informal talks
on the same topic Wednesday, according to a UN source.
The United States and some of its allies accuse Iran of working
on highly enriched uranium and plutonium which are essential
materials for making nuclear weapons. Tehran has insisted on its
right to develop a peaceful nuclear program aimed at generating
electricity only.
On June 6, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana presented Iran
with a package of proposals agreed on by the six powers which
includes both incentives aimed at persuading Iran to suspend
uranium enrichment and possible sanctions if Iran does not
comply.
Western countries had pressed Tehran to respond to the package
before July 15, but Iran said that would not happen before Aug.
22.
The six countries agreed on July 12 to return Iran's nuclear
issue to the UN Security Council.
Iran said the package of incentives was an "acceptable basis"
for talks, and invited the world powers to enter detailed
negotiations over its disputed nuclear program.
(Xinhua News Agency July 19, 2006)
