Reply #6: AP: El-Baradei Concerned Iran Sanctions

[Eugene]

El-Baradei Concerned Iran Sanctions

The Associated Press
Thursday, January 18, 2007; 5:16 AM

PARIS -- The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog expressed concern Thursday that the
international sanctions against Iran could escalate Tehran's standoff with the U.S.
and its European allies.

Mohamed El-Baradei, speaking in Paris, called for a resumption of negotiations with
Iran. Asked about the possibility of France sending an envoy for discussions, he said,
"I would support any effort by any side to engage Iran."

"My worry right now is that each side is sticking to its guns," said El-Baradei, head
of the International Atomic Energy Agency. "We need someone to reach out."

-snip-

France is considering sending an envoy to Tehran for discussions that would focus on
Middle East peace, Lebanon and other regional issues rather than the specific question
of Iran's nuclear program.

But officials at the presidential palace and the foreign ministry insist no decision
has been made and Iran must first show willingness to negotiate.

-snip-

Full article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/18/AR2007011800246.html