LOC18:37
15:37 GMT
Sarkozy
UNITED NATIONS, Sept 23 (KUNA) -- French President and current President of
the European Union Nicolas Sarkozy on Tuesday said Europe will not allow a
nuclear Iran threaten the region.
"Europe is saying to Iran that it respects that country, that Iran has the
right to nuclear energy and that we will explore all avenues of dialogue.
"But it is saying to Iran with the same sincerity that it cannot accept a
nuclear-armed Iran which would endanger the peace and stability of an entire
region, nor can it tolerate Iran calling for the destruction of the State of
Israel," Sarkozy told the General Assembly on its first day of general debate.
"Europe is telling Israel that it is a friend, that it will let no one
threaten its existence, that we will always be at Israel's side to fight
terrorism.
"But it is equally telling Israel with the same sincerity that there will
be no peace until there is a viable Palestinian state with recognized borders,
" he added.
He stressed that Europe will continue to stand by Afghanistan's side and
will not permit the Taliban allied with al Qaeda again to take a people
hostage and turn an entire country into a terrorist base.
He also pledged that Europe will help Somalia, with the UN help, to combat
the scourge of piracy off its coasts.
He said "Europe does not want war. It does not want a war of civilization.
It does not want a war of religion. It does not want a cold war. Europe wants
peace, and peace is always possible when one truly wants it." (end)
sj.rk
KUNA 231837 Sep 08NNNN