Riyadh (Saudi Arabia): US Secretary of State
Hillary Rodham Clinton made clear today that time is running
out for diplomacy over Iran`s nuclear programme and said talks
aimed at preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon
would resume in mid-April.
With speculation over a possible US or Israel military
attack adding urgency to the next round of discussions in
Istanbul set for April 13, Clinton said Iran`s "window of
opportunity" for a peaceful resolution "will not remain open
forever."
She also expressed doubt about whether Iran has any
intention of negotiating a solution that satisfies the US,
Israel and other countries that believe Iran is trying to
develop nuclear weapons. Tehran contends the programme is
solely for peaceful energy and research purposes.
"We`re going in with one intention: to resolve the
international community`s concerns about Iran`s nuclear
program," Clinton told reporters after attending a security
conference in Saudi Arabia.
"Our policy is one of prevention, not containment. We are
determined to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon,"
America`s top diplomat said.
"We enter into these talks with a sober perspective about
Iran`s intentions. It is incumbent upon Iran to demonstrate by
its actions that it is a willing partner and to participate in
these negotiations with an effort to obtain concrete results."
Her remarks followed President Barack Obama`s announcement
yesterday that the US was moving ahead with penalties aimed at
depriving Iran of oil revenue, while also working with Saudi
Arabia and other Persian Gulf states to ensure ample global
petroleum supplies.
PTI
