R. Nicholas Burns After the P-5+1 Meeting on Iran

Remarks After the P-5+1 Ministers Meeting on Iran

R. Nicholas Burns, Under Secretary for Political Affairs

Paris, France
July 12, 2006

UNDER SECRETARY BURNS: We are very pleased by today's strong action by the P-5, the permanent five countries of the Security Council, and Germany. This is a significant decision that, frankly, reflects the disappointment and frustration of our countries over the lack of a serious response by the Iranian Government.

Iran failed to meet the essential condition that we said had to be met: suspension of all of its enrichment-related and reprocessing activities. Thus, Iran has given us no choice but to move back to the Security Council, where we intend to make their suspension mandatory; and should Iran refuse to comply then of course all of our countries agreed today we would work towards a sanctions resolution under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter.

The offer we made in Vienna is still on the table. It's up to Iran to decide what path to take: negotiation or action by the Security Council. 2006/T18-2

Released on July 12, 2006

ENDS

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