Cheney: Iran obstacle to peace
2007-10-21 21:51
Lansdowne - US vice-president Dick Cheney, taking a tough line toward Iran, described the country's government on Sunday as a "growing obstacle to peace in the Middle East."
Cheney, in a speech to a think tank, also accused Tehran of
practicing "delay and deception" regarding its nuclear programme and warned of consequences if it did not comply with the West's demands that it halt sensitive nuclear work.
His harsh rhetoric toward Tehran came just a few days after President George W Bush warned that nuclear-armed Iran could lead to World War Three.
The Bush administration has been trying to rally support
for tighter international sanctions, but faced difficulties
amid Russian resistance.
Cheney said that progress toward peace and stability in the
Middle East would depend on responsible conduct by countries in
the region, including respect for neighbours' sovereignty and compliance with international agreements.
- Reuters