U.S. President Barack Obama is offering Iran "a serious, meaningful
dialogue" about its nuclear program. But The president is warning Tehran that unprecedented
global cooperation will meet its nuclear threat.
In his weekly
radio and Internet address, President Obama says a concerted worldwide
effort will counter nuclear proliferation. He is repeating an
accusation he made, with the leaders of Britain and France at the Group
of 20 summit, that Iran is building a secret uranium enrichment plant.
"This
is a serious challenge to the global nonproliferation regime, and
continues a disturbing pattern of Iranian evasion," he said. "That is
why international negotiations with Iran scheduled for October 1st now
take on added urgency."
Mr. Obama says Iran has a choice of
living up to its responsibilities and being integrated with the
community of nations, or facing increased pressure and isolation.
"My
offer of a serious, meaningful dialogue to resolve this issue remains
open," he said. "But Iran must now cooperate fully with the
International Atomic Energy Agency, and take action to demonstrate its
peaceful intentions."
Hours later, Iran's nuclear chief, Ali
Akbar Salehi, said Tehran will allow the IAEA, the United Nations'
nuclear agency, to inspect Iran's unfinished uranium facility. He did
not say when the visits would take place.
Mr. Obama, meanwhile,
says the global community is more united than ever before against
Iran's nuclear ambitions. And he says the United States is committed
to a new chapter of international cooperation.
"President
Medvedev of Russia and I agreed that Iran must pursue a new course or
face consequences," said Mr. Obama. "All of the permanent members
of the United Nations Security Council, and Germany, have made it clear
that Iran must fulfill its responsibilities."
The president says his administration is also doing its part toward a nuclear-free world.
"The
United States is meeting our responsibilities by pursuing an agreement
with Russia to reduce our strategic warheads and launchers," he said.
"And just as we meet our responsibilities, so must other nations,
including Iran and North Korea."
Mr. Obama says the G20 summit
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania also produced advances in Middle East peace
efforts, the fight against global warming, and international financial
reform.
News
Obama Offers Iran Dialogue, Stresses International Cooperation
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