France Convinced Iran Issue To Be Solved Diplomatically

Dow Jones Newswires:

France said Friday it remains convinced that the crisis over Iran's nuclear program must be solved diplomatically, despite new findings from the International Atomic Energy Agency that Tehran has successfully enriched uranium.

The IAEA's report that Iran has hastened its enrichment program is "a worrying situation for the entire international community," French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said in a statement. "We continue, nevertheless, to say to Iran that the door to negotiation is not closed."

The minister called for Iranian gestures "that will re-establish confidence about the goals of their nuclear program." READ MORE

"We remain convinced that a diplomatic solution to this crisis must be found," he said.

Douste-Blazy noted the U.N. Security Council will take up the issue and decide on the next step. France is a permanent member of the body, with veto power.

"France intends to participate in this decision, with a threefold objective: preserve the unity of the international community; maintain the firmness of our positions; and act rapidly to find without delay a solution to this problem," the minister said.