By Kent Klein, VOA, Washington
U.S. President Barack Obama is offering Iran "a
serious, meaningful dialogue" about its nuclear program. But The president is
warning Tehran that unprecedented global cooperation will meet its nuclear
threat.
In his weekly radio and Internet address,
President Obama says a concerted worldwide effort will counter nuclear
proliferation. He is repeating an accusation he made, with the leaders of
Britain and France at the Group of 20 summit, that Iran is building a secret
uranium enrichment plant.
"This is a serious challenge to the global nonproliferation regime, and
continues a disturbing pattern of Iranian evasion," he said. "That is why
international negotiations with Iran scheduled for October 1st now take on added
urgency."
Mr. Obama says Iran has a choice of living up to its responsibilities and being
integrated with the community of nations, or facing increased pressure and
isolation.
"My offer of a serious, meaningful dialogue to resolve this issue remains open,"
he said. "But Iran must now cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy
Agency, and take action to demonstrate its peaceful intentions."
Hours later, Iran's nuclear chief, Ali Akbar Salehi, said Tehran will allow the
IAEA, the United Nations' nuclear agency, to inspect Iran's unfinished uranium
facility. He did not say when the visits would take place.
Mr. Obama, meanwhile, says the global community is more united than ever before
against Iran's nuclear ambitions. And he says the United States is committed to
a new chapter of international cooperation.
"President Medvedev of Russia and I agreed that Iran must pursue a new course or
face consequences," said Mr. Obama. "All of the permanent members of the United
Nations Security Council, and Germany, have made it clear that Iran must fulfill
its responsibilities."
The president says his administration is also doing its part toward a
nuclear-free world.
"The United States is meeting our responsibilities by pursuing an agreement with
Russia to reduce our strategic warheads and launchers," he said. "And just as we
meet our responsibilities, so must other nations, including Iran and North
Korea."
Mr. Obama says the G20 summit in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania also produced advances
in Middle East peace efforts, the fight against global warming, and
international financial reform.
... Payvand News - 09/26/09 ... --
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