Powers to discuss Iran nukes
2008-11-11 15:39
Berlin - Diplomats from six major powers trying to convince Iran to abandon sensitive nuclear work will meet on Thursday in Paris, a European diplomatic source said.
The meeting of political directors from the foreign ministries of Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States will gather to discuss progress in their dealings with Tehran.
The six countries have put forward a package of technological, economic and political incentives if Iran suspends uranium enrichment, which they fear Tehran is pursuing to build a nuclear weapon.
Tehran strongly denies the accusation, saying its nuclear programme is aimed purely at producing civilian energy.
Tensions arose late last month within the group of six countries when the United States slapped sanctions on Russia's main arms firm over the alleged sale of sensitive military technology to Iran.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described the US move as "inadmissible" and warned the sanctions would affect talks between world powers on the Iranian nuclear programme.
- AFP