Iran’s nuclear policy – Interview given by Philippe Douste-Blazy, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to "France 2" (excerpts)
Paris, 25 September 2006
Q. – There’s a lot of talk of diplomatic solutions, of stretching out a hand to Iran, of dialogue. Frankly, is this diplomatic option still open?
THE MINISTER – There are two pitfalls to avoid. The first is a confrontation without having the opportunity to talk things over, to discuss. And the second is obviously to see the Iranians gaining time, continually gaining time, going from pre-meeting to meeting, and in fact pursuing their programme despite what the IAEA is saying.
We have made political proposals, economic proposals and proposals on nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Now it’s for them to tell us, very soon, what they think.
(…)
Q. – How long are you giving yourselves? Will October see the next step?
THE MINISTER – We think it’s a matter of weeks. Now that the Iranians are aware not only of the proposals we made two months ago, but also of the new one which the President made – for us to suspend the process of adopting sanctions and simultaneously for them [to suspend] uranium enrichment –, if they don’t respond to these proposals in the next few weeks, inevitably firmness will prevail. The Iranians have to know this. Iran has to adopt a reasonable attitude and not isolate herself from the international community./.