Speaking on Monday before French Ambassadors at the Elysee Palace, French President Jacques Chirac warned that Iran could face the United Nations Security Council if it failed to refrain from "sensitive" nuclear activities.
The message was one of the clearest warnings yet given to Iran regarding its nuclear program, which Tehran decided to reinstate on August 8 fueling criticism of the US and EU.
Chirac called on Iran to "make the choice of cooperation and confidence" in its negotiations with Europe, according to KUNA.
He added that the UN Security Council "would have no choice" but to address the probelm, alluding to the use of sanctions against Iran on the part of the United Nations.
"All guarantees must thus be given on the pacific nature of the programs underway," Chirac said. He also recounted the fact that International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN's nuclear watchdog, had previously found clandestine nuclear activity underway.
Chirac added that "There is room for dialogue and negotiation. We call on Iran's spirit of responsibility to re-establish cooperation and confidence, failing which the Security Council will have not choice but the seize the question."
The EU had promised to provide technological, trade and political guarantees to Iran, in return for Iran's suspension of nuclear activities. Iran, so far, has balked at the latest European proposals.
However, while Chirac warned Iran about possible Security Council intervention, he also implied that the option was still available for further negotiations before the IAEA produces its next report on Iran on September 3.
By resuming uranium conversion at its Isfahan plant, Iran ostensibly withdrew from the November 2003 accord signed with France, Germany and Britain against such activity.
