UNÂ’s Ban worried about IranÂ’s nuclear progress
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
Opinion: With deregulated electricity, no need to subsidize nuclear power
PITTSBURG - For decades, the government regulation of Pennsylvania's electricity markets dictated all aspects of power generation resources in the state, thus restricting market-driven prices for consumers and hindering new power plant development and investment.
Deregulation has enabled competitive markets to drive energy prices downward, which has transformed Pennsylvania from a higher-electricity-cost state to one with prices below the national average.
Recently, the economic advantage of abundant low-cost natural gas has spurred an influx of billions of dollars of private capital investment and thousands of jobs to construct environmentally responsible natural gas power generation facilities throughout the commonwealth — including our three…
