World powers agree new offer to Iran in nuclear standoff
LONDON (AFP) — Six key world powers have agreed to make a new offer to Iran over its disputed nuclear programme, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said after talks Friday.
"I am glad to say that we have got agreement on an offer that will be made to the government of Iran," Miliband said, after discussions with his counterparts from the United States, Germany, France, Russia and China.
In a brief statement, Miliband added that the powers had "reviewed and updated" an offer made to Iran in June 2006, but that the contents of the new proposal would only be disclosed to Iran.
"We will be transmitting that offer, we won't be revealing details except to the government of Iran and we very much hope that they will recognise the seriousness and the severity with which we have approached this issue and that they will respond in a timely manner to the suggestions we are making."
He said the proposal was designed to show Tehran "the benefits of cooperating with the international community."
The five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany have been seeking to persuade the Islamic republic to rein in its nuclear work.
The West fears Iran wants to use its nuclear programme to make atomic weapons but Tehran insists the drive is peaceful and solely aimed at providing energy for a growing population.