France says no to nuke talks

2006-01-18 17:15

Paris - France on Wednesday rejected an Iranian request for talks on its contested nuclear programme, saying Tehran must first suspend its nuclear activities.

Iran's decision to resume some sensitive activities "means that it is not possible for us to meet under satisfactory conditions to pursue these discussions", foreign ministry spokesperson Denis Simonneau said.

"Iran must return to a complete suspension of these activities."

French insistence that Iran suspend its programme before negotiations can resume is part of a wider effort to pressure Iran to halt nuclear research that the West fears could lead to nuclear weapons.

Iran insists its programme is for civilian use.

Iran broke a moratorium this month on Iranian enrichment - a path to nuclear arms.

"There is a consensus that Iran should turn back, return to negotiations and suspend its nuclear programme," US under-secretary of state Nicholas Burns said on Wednesday while travelling in Bombay.

"But that's not the path Iran is on now," he added.

The consensus refers to agreement between the United States, three European countries - France, Britain and Germany - that led the diplomatic effort with Iran, and Russia and China.

The Europeans had signalled during December talks in Vienna with Iran that that they were open to further discussions - as long as Iran fully respects resolutions by the IAEA.

- AP