Miliband attacks Iran over nuclear plants
Miliband attacks Iran over nuclear plants
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By Darren Estwick. |  |
Monday, 30, Nov 2009 09:09
By Richard James.
Foreign secretary David Miliband has criticised Iran over reports it plans on opening another ten uranium enrichment plants.
It was announced over the weekend Iran's government has ordered its atomic energy organisation to build the plants.
Irna, the country's state new agency, said yesterday construction of five plants whose locations had already been decided would start within the next two months.
The announcement flies in the face of international pressure on Tehran to give up on its alleged plans to build a nuclear arsenal.
Responding to the latest news, Mr Miliband said: "Instead of engaging with us Iran chooses to provoke and dissemble.
"Iran has responded to the IAEA board of governors' resolution urging Iran to address serious concerns about their nuclear programme by announcing the construction of even more enrichment facilities.
"This epitomises the fundamental problem that we face with Iran. We have stated over and again that we recognise Iran's right to a civilian nuclear programme, but they must restore international confidence in their intentions.
"Iran can flaunt its isolation but this will only increase the calm, determination and unity of the international community. I urge Iran to recognise this, and to accept the outstretched hand on offer."
At the end of last week the 35-nation governing body of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) voted for a rebuke for Iran's nuclear activities, expected to usher in stricter sanctions against the Islamic Republic.