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21:28 GMT
ROME, Dec 16 (KUNA) -- Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini reiterated
on Wednesday the European Union's call for Iran to steer clear of the nuclear
ambiguity or face toughened international sanctions.
Europe, which cannot conceal its concerns over Iran's nuclear program,
calls on Iran once again to respond positively to its call. Otherwise the
Islamic republic will face mounting pressures, said Frattini who attended the
last week's EU foreign ministers meeting.
The Italian foreign minister urged Iran to accept the offer the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for exchanging Iran's low-enriched
uranium on the Iranian territories under the supervision of the UN nuclear
watchdog.
He made the remarks hours after Iran test-fired its domestically-developed
Sajjil-2, a long range missile.
Frattini echoed the Western concerns over the missile tests.
Meanwhile, Spokesman of the Italian Foreign Ministry Maurizio Massari
voiced deep concern over the tests.
Italy is looking forward to constructive signals from Iran, not missile
tests, to build confidence between Iran, on one hand, and the international
community and the Gulf countries, on the other, Massari told reporters here
this evening. (end)
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