Six-power talks on Iran constructive: US

WASHINGTON, Jan 19, 2010 (AFP) - The latest talks by six world powers on the nuclear standoff with Iran were constructive, US officials said Tuesday.

"We are moving on both tracks," said State Department spokesman Philip Crowley, referring to diplomacy and the threat of further sanctions. "We believe we are making progress."


Crowley, however, said Iran's response to the international community's demands for assurances about its nuclear program have been inadequate.

The five permament members of the UN Security Council -- the United States, France, Germany, Russia and China -- plus Germany met Saturday in New York but reached no decision on further sanctions against Iran. China in particular has resisted sanctions.

Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki on Monday welcomed the "realistic approach" taken by the six powers, while China called on the sides to "show flexibility" and to stick with diplomacy despite the impasse.

"We continue our conversations in terms of options that are available to us, both in terms of the Security Council going forward but also steps that can be taken in a coordinated way on a national basis," Crowley said.

US senators have drawn up a bill that if adopted would impose sanctions on companies that export fuel to Iran.

The sanctions imposed so far by the United Nations principally target Iran's proliferation activity, having little real economic impact.

The United States, Britain, France, Russia and Germany want them to be enhanced to target the revenues of the Iranian regime.


by Sebastian Smith
(c) 2010 AFP