Clinton Warns Iran, Time for Diplomacy not "Infinite"

In a joint news conference with Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci late on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned Iran that time was not "infinite" for diplomacy and that "all options remain on the table" after a dispute over the venue where the (P-5+1) countries will hold talks on Iran's nuclear program. 

She added the EU will decide a time and place for talks on Iran's nuclear program saying meantime "until Iran comes into compliance with its international obligations and demonstrates the peaceful intent of its nuclear program, they will continue to face strong pressure" according to a press release by the US Department of State on Wednesday. She clarified, "the sooner that we can begin talks, the better it will be," adding, "We want to see a peaceful resolution of the international community's concerns."

Clinton announced that EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton is holding talks with some Iranian officials pertaining to this issue. "We understand that these consultations are at an advanced stage and we expect that Lady Ashton will formally announce the date and place of the talks once it is finally confirmed," she said. Secretary of State added "We want to engage in serious discussions that will lead to concrete results." 

She further urged the Iranian Government "to take this opportunity to begin addressing the international community's concerns about the possible military dimensions of the Iranian nuclear program." Clinton earlier announced that the talks with the (p5+1) countries,Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States, will be held on April 13th and14th in Istanbul, whereas Russia said the time and the venue of the talks hasn't been decided yet. 

On January 2011, there has been a round of talks between Iran and the (P5+1) countries and ended in vain. 
 

Source: BNA