Bush: UN Resolution Is "Loud And Clear" Message To Iran

Henry J. Pulizzi, Dow Jones Newswires:

President George W. Bush on Monday applauded a United Nations Security Council resolution giving Iran until Aug. 31 to suspend uranium enrichment or face the threat of economic and diplomatic sanctions. "It's a strong resolution," Bush said after a tour of the Port of Miami. "The Iranians must hear loud and clear with this resolution, the world is intent upon working together to make sure that they do not end up with a nuclear weapon or the know-how to build a nuclear weapon."

Iran quickly rejected the Security Council resolution, which passed earlier Monday by a margin of 14-1. The action was watered down from earlier drafts to address the concerns of council members Russia and China. Instead of immediate sanctions, the resolution requires more discussions before sanctions are adopted. READ MORE

Bush characterized the council action as a diplomatic success.

"This resolution follows up on North Korea resolution, and it goes to show that when America takes the lead and works with our friends, we're able to accomplish diplomatic objectives," he said. "And now Condi Rice comes back from the Middle East, and will be working with our friends and allies on a resolution regarding Lebanon."

-By Henry J. Pulizzi, Dow Jones Newswires; 202-862-9256; henry.pulizzi@ dowjones.com