Germany can accept nuclear enrichment in Iran

Scotsman

Iran should be allowed to enrich uranium for power generation provided there is close monitoring by U.N. inspectors to ensure that it is not trying to develop atomic weapons, Germany's defence minister said.

The minister's comments could suggest that after years of failed negotiations with Iran, Germany and some Western powers are willing to compromise with Iran over enrichment in order to resolve peacefully the nuclear stand-off with Tehran.

But it is unclear if this view has been agreed among all Western powers and if it would be acceptable to hardline camps in Washington and London, Western diplomats say.

In an interview with Reuters, Defence Minister Franz Josef Jung was asked if Iran should be allowed to enrich uranium under scrutiny by the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency.

"I think so. The offer includes everything. That means the civilian use of nuclear energy is possible but not atomic weapons. And monitoring mechanisms must be applied. I think it would be wise for Iran to accept this offer," he said.

Jung was referring to a June 6 offer of incentives made to Iran by Germany and the five permanent U.N. Security Council members -- the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia.

He said close IAEA oversight of any Iranian enrichment activities would provide the necessary assurances to the international community.

"IAEA inspections can provide those assurances through monitoring. That is not a problem," he said Read more

db: Hello Washington? ....London?