President Ahmadinejad addressed the UN summit on 14 September
19 September 2005 (RFE/RL) -- Representatives of the United States and European Union powers Britain, France, and Germany have been discussing a possible referral of Iran to the United Nations Security Council over its nuclear program.
Officials of the countries met on 18 September in New York to discuss their options ahead of today's start in Vienna, Austria of a board of governors meeting of the UN's nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency. The board could decide to send the Iranian issue to the Security Council for possible punitive sanctions against Iran.
Officials of the Western countries have expressed disappointment following the 17 September speech to the UN General Assembly by Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad, who said Iran has an inalienable right to produce nuclear fuel. He also ruled out Iran making any nuclear weapons.
Western countries, led by the United States, say they fear Iran may be secretly trying to develop nuclear arms. But Russia, which has a veto on the Security Council, has indicated it does not believe the time is right for sanctions.
(AP/Reuters/AFP)
For RFE/RL's complete coverage of the controversy surrounding Iran's nuclear program, see "Iran's Nuclear Program."
Officials of the Western countries have expressed disappointment following the 17 September speech to the UN General Assembly by Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad, who said Iran has an inalienable right to produce nuclear fuel. He also ruled out Iran making any nuclear weapons.
Western countries, led by the United States, say they fear Iran may be secretly trying to develop nuclear arms. But Russia, which has a veto on the Security Council, has indicated it does not believe the time is right for sanctions.
(AP/Reuters/AFP)
For RFE/RL's complete coverage of the controversy surrounding Iran's nuclear program, see "Iran's Nuclear Program."