Britain, Germany and France have defied US to offer Iran nuclear carrot

[Judi Lynn]

Saturday, September 20, 2003
Britain, Germany and France have defied US to offer Iran nuclear carrot


BRUSSELS/VIENNA — Britain, Germany and France defied the United States last month by offering Iran the prospect of sharing technology if it stops its disputed nuclear fuel enrichment programme and accepts tougher UN inspections.

Western diplomats said a joint letter by the big three European foreign ministers, the content of which has not previously been disclosed, was delivered to Tehran in early August despite intense lobbying by Washington.

It highlighted a wide gulf between the Bush administration and even its closest European ally, Britain, on whether to engage or isolate the Islamic republic.

The Europeans urged Iran to sign, implement and ratify a protocol to the Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) that provides for intrusive, short-notice inspections and to halt its uranium enrichment programme, which the West fears could be at the heart of a clandestine nuclear arms programme. (snip/...)

http://www.timesofoman.com/newsdetails.asp?newsid=41702

[Gloria]

1. And the US has enabled this...read this story....

how we're pressuring Japan to give up a chance at steady supply of oil...

Posted in the current World Media Watch (URL below)


3//Daily Yomiuri Sep 19 2003

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/index-e.htm



IRAN OIL FIELD DEAL AT RISK

Yomiuri Shimbun



SNIP

A consortium of Japanese companies acquired preferential negotiating rights in 2000 to put together a project to develop the Azadegan oil field, one of the world's largest oil reserves, and have been negotiating with Iran over a detailed development program and financial terms in an effort to conclude a formal contract.



However, the United States has asked Japan to delay the contract because of concern that Iran is developing nuclear weapons.



Tehran intends to continue separate talks on the project with Tokyo, but to exclude Japanese companies from the bidding, according to the sources. Observers pointed out that the entry of major foreign oil companies into the bidding was likely to make it very difficult for Japan to secure what was potentially the largest supply of oil the nation has ever had access to.



SNIP



The United States is urging other countries, including Japan, to delay any deal that would be economically beneficial for Iran. However, the oil companies are expected to go ahead with the negotiations despite such requests.



If Japan manages to reach agreement on a contract with Iran before the contractor is chosen by tender, it will increase the likelihood that Japan will be able to secure some role in developing the oil field. However, the Japanese government would be forced to make a difficult decision between the U.S. pressure to halt the negotiation and its own aim to secure a steady supply of oil for the nation.



(MORE)

[goforit]

2. Us wants to attack the "Busher plant"....That the first Bush Pres. funded.

The more they make an issue of it the more embarrassing it
will be.

This is an absolute "no-win" situation for this administration.