LOC22:09
19:09 GMT
credible
By Salwa Jendoubi
UNITED NATIONS, Dec 3 (KUNA) -- Russia on Monday found credible the content
of a US intelligence report which stated that Iran won't be able to enrich
enough uranium for a nuclear weapons until late 2009 and even then, is "very
unlikely" to produce a nuclear bomb until the next decade.
Russian envoy Vitaly Churkin told KUNA "it's an interesting story. If
somebody is pursuing a nuclear weapons programme, why should they stop (it). I
think if they stopped a nuclear weapons programme this is an indication they
are not pursuing (it). We've always been saying that we have no proof that
they (Iran) are pursuing a nuclear weapons programme."
The National Intelligence Estimate - the consensus view of the 16 US
intelligence agencies - stated today that the Iranians suspended their nuclear
programme in 2003, adding that as of now they have "moderate confidence" that
Iran still hasn't restarted it.
Asked how this piece of news going to affect the US and EU's determination
to bring the Iranian nuclear file back to the Security Council for further
sanctions, he said "I don't know. We have no instruction. We need to sort
things out."
EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana met with Iranian official Saeed
Jalili in London last Friday and with the Political Directors of the P5 plus
Germany in Paris last Saturday. The decision, reportedly, was to refer the
issue back to the council as early as next week.
British UN envoy Sir John Sawers was determined to bring it to the council.
He told KUNA "progress is being made and during the course of next week, I
think we will need to have discussions here in New York, yes."
Diplomats speculate that the US intelligence report may pour cold water on
the US-EU determination to pursue the issue in the council next week.
The Iranian Mission was not available for comment, but that's exactly what
they have been claiming all along. (end)
sj.bz.
KUNA 032209 Dec 07NNNN