Offer by Europe Would Give Iran Nuclear Future

[ECH1969]

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 - In a first test of the new leadership in Iran, European negotiators have prepared a sweeping proposal that raises the possibility of Iran acquiring nuclear reactors and fuel, and of achieving a full political and economic relationship with the West, if it ends nuclear activities suspected to be part of a weapons program, Western diplomats said Thursday.

The European offer, drafted with the tacit approval of the Bush administration, is to be transmitted by the end of this weekend as the latest step in a European-American effort to get Iran to abandon its suspected nuclear arms ambitions. That effort has run into repeated difficulties, most recently over Iran's announced intention to resume uranium conversion and enrichment in defiance of European warnings.

Western diplomats who have read the European offer or who know its contents said that it presented a full spectrum of relationships for Iran with the West, from technology sharing to trade preferences to security guarantees, if the Tehran government cooperates on nuclear matters, and also on improving human rights and combating terrorism. They said it was much more detailed and specific than the more general offers floated by the Europeans earlier this year, but they did not describe the offer in full.

A senior Iranian official, reached by telephone on Thursday, said when told about the contents of the proposal that it seemed to fall far short of what Iran wanted.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/05/politics/05iran.html?hp&ex=1123214400&en=f87537121a9a2f08&ei=5094&partner=homepage

[blm]

1. That was exactly what Kerry said should be done during the campaign.

The Bushies were all over the media mocking him for his plan.

Of course, most of the time they were claiming Kerry never offered any plans.

[rodeodance]

2. unfortuately, most ppl do not have memories like elephants which Bush

Inc. relies upon to make it seem like his plan/work.

[sandnsea]

3. Unfortunately

Most people never paid attention in the first place so they haven't got anything to forget anyway.

[blm]

5. The mocking of the RNC hacks is all they had to consider - media made sure

that was the message heard - Kerry's plans were to be mocked as ineffective or delusional.

[bemildred]

4. Iran can continue nuclear programme for civilian use - EU

Joltin' Bolton ain't going to like this.

BRUSSELS (AFX) - Iran can continue to develop its nuclear programme as long as it is clearly for civilian and not military use, a spokesman for the European Union's executive commission said.

He said the guarantee was given in a letter to Iran from the EU-3 countries -- Britain, France and Germany -- which had offered incentives to ensure it continues its freeze on sensitive nuclear activities.

'The letter from the three countries clearly mentions a civil nuclear programme in Iran, and provided they do respect the rules -- the so-called proliferation proof, they undertake not to proliferate -- they can go for this civilian nuclear programme,' spokesman Stefaan de Rynck told reporters.

In Paris, French foreign ministry spokeswoman Cecile Pozzo di Borgo said the EU recognises 'the inalienable right of Iran to the peaceful use of nuclear energy in conformity with the NPT and within the framework of a global accord.'

Forbes