UNÂ’s Ban worried about IranÂ’s nuclear progress
ROME, ITALY - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is worried about Iran's nuclear program but hopes a stand-off with the international community can be resolved through dialogue, he said in comments published in Italy.
The West believes Iran is seeking to build an atomic bomb while Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. It recently appointed a new negotiator widely seen as taking a tough line in international talks intended to head off an intensification of existing U.N. sanctions against Iran.
Asked whether he was concerned about Iran's nuclear program, he told the newspaper La Stampa: "Yes, I'm very worried about Iran's nuclear progress.
"I hope that, even with the change in negotiators, things can move forward; it is important to continue negotiating with Iran."
Ban said he had met Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad briefly during the recent U.N. General Assembly, and was prepared to meet him privately if necessary.
"I have said with great urgency on many occasions that the differences can be resolved through peace, through dialogue; a war or military action is not desirable in any way," Ban said.
The United States imposed new sanctions on Iran, partly over its nuclear program, and has refused to rule out military action.
Political directors from the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council - the United States, Russia, China, France and Britain - and Germany are expected to meet in Europe to discuss imposing a third round of U.N. sanctions.
Related News
Tornadoes and More: What Spring Can Bring to the Power Grid
WASHINGTON - The storm and tornado outbreak that recently barreled through the US Midwest, South and Mid-Atlantic was a devastating reminder of how much danger spring can deliver, despite it being the “milder” season compared to summer and winter.
Danger season is approaching, and the country is starting to see the impacts.
The event killed at least 32 people across seven states. The National Weather Service is still tallying up the number of confirmed tornadoes, which has already passed 100. Communities coping with tragedy are assessing the damage, which so far includes at least 72 destroyed homes in one Tennessee county…