TURKEY SHOULD use its links with Iran to persuade Tehran to change course on its nuclear programme, according to David Cameron.
As Ankara pledged to ignore tough new EU and US sanctions against Iran, the British prime minister urged it to stress the “serious” intent of the international community towards Tehran.
Mr Cameron raised the issue of Iran’s nuclear ambitions after Turkey responded to the new EU and US sanctions by saying it would press ahead with increased trade links with Tehran.
Turkey is to abide by UN sanctions, agreed last month, which are focused on individuals and companies linked to Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes, but will not implement the wider US and EU restrictions on banks.
Last month, the US congress passed legislation that will shut any banks with ties to Iran or any companies selling petroleum products to Tehran out of the US market. The EU is planning to ban all new investment in the Iranian oil and gas sectors by European companies.
Mr Cameron used a speech to business leaders in Ankara to deliver a plea for a united front.
“Which European country could have the greatest chance of persuading Iran to change course on its nuclear policy?” he asked, responding to his own question in Turkish to say: “Of course, it’s Turkey.” He said Turkey’s special position as a bridge between east and west gave it a key role with Iran. “It’s Turkey that can help us stop Iran from getting the bomb.
“Let’s be frank about this. Iran is enriching uranium to 20 per cent with no industrial logic for what they are doing other than producing a bomb.
“If Iran’s nuclear programme is peaceful, why won’t Iran allow the IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency] to inspect? Why does Iran continue to seek to acquire military components? And why does Iran continue to threaten Israel with annihilation?”
In May, Iran reached agreement with Turkey and Brazil to export 1,200kg of low-enriched uranium in return for fuel rods for a civilian reactor. Mr Cameron said he hoped this understanding could help “see Iran move in the right direction”.
He cast doubt over Tehran’s intentions, however, saying: “Even if Iran were to complete the deal proposed in their recent agreement with Turkey and Brazil, it would still retain around 50 per cent of its stockpile of low-enriched uranium. So we need Turkey’s help now in making it clear to Iran just how serious we are about engaging fully with the international community.”
Mr Cameron, who also used the speech to make a passionate case in favour of Turkey’s bid to join the EU, praised it as one of the few countries that could build understanding between Israel and the Arab world.
However, he conceded that the recent shooting of nine Turkish pro-Palestinian activists on the Gaza aid flotilla by Israeli commandos had harmed relations.
“Turkey’s relationships in the region, both with Israel and with the Arab world, are of incalculable value,” Mr Cameron said. “No other country has the same potential to build understanding between Israel and the Arab world.
“I know that Gaza has led to real strains in Turkey’s relationship with Israel, but Turkey is a friend of Israel. I urge Turkey and Israel not to give up on that friendship.”
He condemned the Israeli raid on the flotilla and criticised conditions in Gaza.
"The situation in Gaza has to change," he said. "Humanitarian goods and people must flow in both directions. Gaza cannot and must not be allowed to remain a prison camp." –( Guardianservice)
RUSSIA ON EU IRAN SANCTIONS: MOVE UNDERMINES JOINT EFFORTS
MOSCOW– Russia said yesterday that new EU sanctions on Iran undermined international efforts to resolve concerns over its nuclear programme, tempering hopes of closer co-operation between Moscow and the West on the issue.
EU foreign ministers on Monday approved a range of extra restrictions on Iran that went well beyond UN sanctions agreed last month, including a ban on dealing with Iranian banks and insurance companies as well as steps to prevent investment in Tehran’s lucrative oil and gas sector.
“This not only undermines our joint efforts to seek a political and diplomatic settlement around Iran’s nuclear programme, but also shows disdain for the carefully calibrated and co-ordinated provisions of the UN Security Council resolutions,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
The use of sanctions outside of the security council framework is “unacceptable,” the statement noted.
Russia on Monday condemned a verbal attack by the Iranian president on Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, widening a split between the two countries after Moscow gave into pressure from the West and backed the UN sanctions.
But the foreign ministry statement indicated that Moscow also has significant disagreements with the West regarding Iran.
In addition to the EU sanctions, the statement criticised unilateral US sanctions approved by congress on June 24th aimed at squeezing Iran’s energy and banking sectors.
“We regret to say that all the recent steps by the European Union and the United States to build pressure on Iran display their disdain for the principles of collaboration,” the statement noted. – (Reuters)