U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says Iran could face
additional sanctions if it defies a two-week deadline to respond to an
international nuclear incentives package.
Rice, who spoke to
reporters en route to the United Arab Emirates Monday, said Iran did
not give a serious response to the package during nuclear talks with
world powers in Geneva Saturday. The incentives package is aimed at
persuading Tehran to suspend sensitive nuclear activities.
Secretary
Rice said Saturday's meeting sent a strong message that Iran will have
to make a decision. But she warned that world powers are in the
strongest possible position to return to sanctions if Iran does not act.
Rice
is in Abu Dhabi Monday to meet with U.S. Undersecretary of State
William Burns, who attended Saturday's talks in Geneva. She is also
expected to meet with foreign ministers from the Gulf and other allied
Arab nations.
On Sunday, U.S. military chief Admiral Mike Mullen said he was encouraged by Saturday's nuclear talks.
The
United States and its Western allies have accused Iran of working to
produce a nuclear weapon. Iran says its nuclear program is peaceful.
On
Saturday, Iran again ruled out suspending its uranium enrichment
program - a key demand of Western powers. But Iranian President
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad welcomed the Geneva talks as a step forward.
Iranian and EU negotiators have agreed to meet again in two weeks.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
