Bush and Brown's warning to Iran

[Bindare_Dundat]

Gordon Brown and President George Bush have warned Iran to accept their "offers of partnership" or face tough sanctions and international isolation.

The UK prime minister said he wanted to maintain a dialogue with Tehran, but if Iran ignores UN resolutions then sanctions would be intensified.

Europe would freeze overseas assets of Iran's biggest bank and impose new oil and gas sanctions, he said.

But an EU spokeswoman said no new sanctions had been agreed.

Cristina Gallach, spokeswoman for EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, said sanctions had not been on the agenda at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg.

"There was no discussion of sanctions today. I know nothing about that," she said.

The trip is part of Mr Bush's European tour - although he dismissed reports that it would be his last before leaving office as "speculation".

In their talks on Monday the two leaders discussed issues including Iraq and Afghanistan, Burma and Zimbabwe and oil and food prices.

Iran has been accused of not co-operating with the UN over its nuclear programme, amid fears it is enriching uranium to use in weapons.

The prime minister said the Iranians did not have to choose a "path of confrontation" and Britain would do "everything possible" to maintain dialogue with Tehran

President Bush said Tehran's demand for nuclear power for civilian purposes was "justifiable" - but could be met by Russia's offer to supply them with fuel.

In a message to Tehran, he said: "You bet you have a sovereign right, absolutely, but you don't have the trust of those of us who have watched you carefully when it comes to enriching uranium."

Mr Brown said Britain would urge Europe to impose "further sanctions" on Iran and Europe would take action to freeze the overseas assets of the country's biggest bank and impose new sanctions on oil and gas.

President Bush thanked Mr Brown for his "strong statement" and added: "The Iranians must understand that when we come together and speak with one voice we are serious."


He said pressure was necessary to "solve this problem diplomatically" - but added: "Iranians must understand, however, that all options are on the table."

Mr Brown, who became prime minister a year ago, and President Bush, who leaves office in six months' time, also discussed Afghanistan, with Mr Brown announcing there would be an increase in British troop numbers.

Mr Brown described the US president as a "true friend of Britain" while President Bush praised Mr Brown for being "tough on terror" and said it was in "all our interests" to help people in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"He's left more troops in Iraq than initially anticipated and like me, we will be making our decisions based on conditions on the ground ... without an artificial timetable."

President Bush said history would judge whether the military tactics could have been different in Iraq, but he stood by the decision to remove Saddam Hussein as the right one for "our security", for peace and for 25 million Iraqis.

He said it was important to support democracy "at the heart of the Middle East": "It's a democracy that's not going to look like America, it's not going to look like Great Britain, but it's a democracy that will give government responsive to the people."

He said it had "absolutely" been worth it and democracy in Iraq would make it easier to deal with "the Iranian issue" and would send a message to reformers and dissidents.

He dismissed the idea that "perhaps freedom is not universal - maybe it's only western people who can self govern" as "the ultimate form of political elitism".

[240 is Back]

Gordon Brown and President George Bush have warned Iran to accept their "offers of partnership" or face tough sanctions and international isolation.

Europe would freeze overseas assets of Iran's biggest bank and impose new oil and gas sanctions, he said.

IE: Let us run an oil pipeline thru your country or we're gonna take all your money and bomb the shit out of you.

If Saddam had been smart and just accepted our terms... if the taleban had been smart and accepted our terms... they could still be in power.

I hope Iran is smart enough to just give in.

[Decker]

IE: Let us run an oil pipeline thru your country or we're gonna take all your money and bomb the shit out of you.

If Saddam had been smart and just accepted our terms... if the taleban had been smart and accepted our terms... they could still be in power.

I hope Iran is smart enough to just give in.

Absolutely.

Israel plays ball with the US and that country thrives.  Israel has nukes and much foreign aid.  No one's busting their balls b/c Israel is willing de facto US state.

Iranians cannot make the mistake of thinking that they are entitled to anything from their own country.  The US is primary.

[24KT]

Gordon Brown and President George Bush have warned Iran to accept their "offers of partnership" or face tough sanctions and international isolation.

The UK prime minister said he wanted to maintain a dialogue with Tehran, but if Iran ignores UN resolutions then sanctions would be intensified.

Europe would freeze overseas assets of Iran's biggest bank and impose new oil and gas sanctions, he said.

But an EU spokeswoman said no new sanctions had been agreed.

Cristina Gallach, spokeswoman for EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, said sanctions had not been on the agenda at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg.

"There was no discussion of sanctions today. I know nothing about that," she said.

The trip is part of Mr Bush's European tour - although he dismissed reports that it would be his last before leaving office as "speculation".

In their talks on Monday the two leaders discussed issues including Iraq and Afghanistan, Burma and Zimbabwe and oil and food prices.

Iran has been accused of not co-operating with the UN over its nuclear programme, amid fears it is enriching uranium to use in weapons.

The prime minister said the Iranians did not have to choose a "path of confrontation" and Britain would do "everything possible" to maintain dialogue with Tehran

President Bush said Tehran's demand for nuclear power for civilian purposes was "justifiable" - but could be met by Russia's offer to supply them with fuel.

In a message to Tehran, he said: "You bet you have a sovereign right, absolutely, but you don't have the trust of those of us who have watched you carefully when it comes to enriching uranium."

Mr Brown said Britain would urge Europe to impose "further sanctions" on Iran and Europe would take action to freeze the overseas assets of the country's biggest bank and impose new sanctions on oil and gas.

President Bush thanked Mr Brown for his "strong statement" and added: "The Iranians must understand that when we come together and speak with one voice we are serious."


He said pressure was necessary to "solve this problem diplomatically" - but added: "Iranians must understand, however, that all options are on the table."

Mr Brown, who became prime minister a year ago, and President Bush, who leaves office in six months' time, also discussed Afghanistan, with Mr Brown announcing there would be an increase in British troop numbers.

Mr Brown described the US president as a "true friend of Britain" while President Bush praised Mr Brown for being "tough on terror" and said it was in "all our interests" to help people in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"He's left more troops in Iraq than initially anticipated and like me, we will be making our decisions based on conditions on the ground ... without an artificial timetable."

President Bush said history would judge whether the military tactics could have been different in Iraq, but he stood by the decision to remove Saddam Hussein as the right one for "our security", for peace and for 25 million Iraqis.

He said it was important to support democracy "at the heart of the Middle East": "It's a democracy that's not going to look like America, it's not going to look like Great Britain, but it's a democracy that will give government responsive to the people."

He said it had "absolutely" been worth it and democracy in Iraq would make it easier to deal with "the Iranian issue" and would send a message to reformers and dissidents.

He dismissed the idea that "perhaps freedom is not universal - maybe it's only western people who can self govern" as "the ultimate form of political elitism".

Just Lovely! 

He had better hope Iraq's government is not responsive to her people, ...'cause from this vantage point,
the people of Iraq aren't too fond of Americans these days., ...and haven't been for a loooong while now.

[CQ]

Brits were kind of boring this trip.

UK media reports they feel Bush is a "lame duck" and know he is almost gone, so they laid of the protests. Last time he went, they came out 100,000+ strong, and had built this massive statue of Bush they tore down in the square mimicing the Saddam thing

This time, weak effort. Only took 1,200 police to contain them so the UK media reports.

[Nordic Superman]

Jag, do you really believe all wars are a result of failed diplomacy?

Can you explain that in the context of WWII/Nazi Germany?

[Fury]

Jag, do you really believe all wars are a result of failed diplomacy?

Can you explain that in the context of WWII/Nazi Germany?

It's a result of fearmongering in the womb. 



Everyone ignores it, but if Iran wasn't up to no good, they would have no problems letting the IAEA inspectors see everything they're doing like is required. As it stands, they're refusing to let the inspectors see the parts of the program that would let them determine if they had civilian or military aims. Makes one think. 

[240 is Back]

It's a result of fearmongering in the womb. 

Everyone ignores it, but if Iran wasn't up to no good, they would have no problems letting the IAEA inspectors see everything they're doing like is required. As it stands, they're refusing to let the inspectors see the parts of the program that would let them determine if they had civilian or military aims. Makes one think. 

Rudy Guiliani said Iran was a 'paper tiger' and we wouldn't even be addresisng their nuke efforts if they didn't have oil.  He exited the race shortly after.

[Fury]

Rudy Guiliani said Iran was a 'paper tiger' and we wouldn't even be addresisng their nuke efforts if they didn't have oil.  He exited the race shortly after.

You're ok with religious extremists having nuclear weapons? Maybe Nordic's intelligence quip was right.

[240 is Back]

You're ok with religious extremists having nuclear weapons? Maybe Nordic's intelligence quip was right.

fck no I'm not okay with it.

However I'd prefer to get the UN's take on how far along they really are.

Not Bush and the UK.

They had their chance to give us WMD intel, and it ended up being - they now admit - wrong.

The UN was right this time, so really, I tend to trust them more than Bush, who is seriously wanting war with them.

They're going to put in the oil pipeline... that shit runs to their border on each side, iraq on one side and afghanistan on the other.  The USA needs that oil to curb china/india growth and keep our own cars running.  So it's going to happen, either way.  I just wish they'd do it the easy way.

[Fury]

fck no I'm not okay with it.

However I'd prefer to get the UN's take on how far along they really are.

Not Bush and the UK.

They had their chance to give us WMD intel, and it ended up being - they now admit - wrong.

The UN was right this time, so really, I tend to trust them more than Bush, who is seriously wanting war with them.

They're going to put in the oil pipeline... that shit runs to their border on each side, iraq on one side and afghanistan on the other.  The USA needs that oil to curb china/india growth and keep our own cars running.  So it's going to happen, either way.  I just wish they'd do it the easy way.

The UN can't get a take on how far along they are they because they won't let the inspectors see the parts of the program that would let them determine if they were trying to develop a bomb or not. Makes one wonder. If they had peaceful aims, they would let the inspectors have a look like all the other countries do.

[240 is Back]

The UN can't get a take on how far along they are they because they won't let the inspectors see the parts of the program that would let them determine if they were trying to develop a bomb or not. Makes one wonder. If they had peaceful aims, they would let the inspectors have a look like all the other countries do.

Interesting.  Do you have link to details?  I'd like to see where Iran rejected inspections.  Would influence my opinion greatly.

Saddam did give the UN ability to search, and they found nothing.  He stalled on some things, like his personal bedrooms and bathrooms (where WMD aren't likely to be, and our machines didn't smell a thing, even when close).  Then he tried to surrender unconditionally in the last 48 hours before shock and awe.... remember, we put a JDAM into that building where his call came from

he called to give us our way 100%, but Bush preferred a war.  Just like with afghanistan - the govt promised to deliver Al-Q and Osama in a fcking pine box - but we preferred to fight and install a puppet govt Karzi who immediately signed over the caspian oil to US firms.

bush lied last time, dude.  He did.  I can't take his word for it this time.  I'd prefer the UN determine if there are WMDs or not.  I'd really prefer if Iran would just play ball, but signing the deal with China/Russia just kinda sealed their fate.

[Fury]

I'm not saying Bush didn't lie. There was an article about it on CNN a few weeks ago. Let me try to find it.

[CQ]

Then he tried to surrender unconditionally in the last 48 hours before shock and awe....

he called to give us our way 100%, but Bush preferred a war. 

Sorry to keep barging in asking for links, but do you have one? Never heard that before...

[youandme]

Sorry to keep barging in asking for links, but do you have one? Never heard that before...

It's true, the US told him war was imminent, and he tried to accept a deal that would give him around 100 million or so, and was asking for immunity to travel.

[Fury]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/may/27/iran.unitednations

"Iran continues to withhold information needed to establish whether the country has attempted to build nuclear weapons, an allegation that remains a matter of "serious concern" the UN's nuclear watchdog reported last night."

"The IAEA report said it asked for access to sites allegedly linked to the manufacture of uranium centrifuges, research and development of uranium enrichment, and uranium mining and milling.

"To date, Iran has not agreed to the agency's request," the report noted."

Can't find the CNN article where it was talking about Iran denying the inspectors access to certain parts.

[CQ]

It's true, the US told him war was imminent, and he tried to accept a deal that would give him around 100 million or so, and was asking for immunity to travel.

Thanks..

I wasn't disbelieving 240 actually, just wanted to learn more actually.

Off to google

[240 is Back]

yeah, google has it.  he wanted to take his kids and a lot of $ and head to africa for immunity.  the USA would have appointed whoever it wanted, and this whole war could have been avoided.

Of course, if we did that, how many hundreds of billions would Haliburton and other war contractors not made? 


NBC is now flirting with "The point of the iraqi was is to perpetuate a war for spendings sake".  It's been the case in many other wars in the past.  I guess that couldn't be the case here, cause it would have meant 4100 soldiers died for greed. 


yeah, saddam's surrender woudl have meant we won, without losing one life.  Or without spending 3 trillion dollars...

[Decker]

Here's the latest IAEA report: 

http://www.iaea.org/Publications/Documents/Board/2008/gov2008-15.pdf

F. Summary

26. The Agency has been able to continue to verify the non-diversion of declared nuclear material in
Iran. Iran has provided the Agency with access to declared nuclear material and has provided the
required nuclear material accountancy reports in connection with declared nuclear material and
activities. However, Iran has not implemented the modified text of its Subsidiary Arrangements
General Part, Code 3.1 on the early provision of design information.

27. The alleged studies on the green salt project, high explosives testing and the missile re-entry
vehicle project remain a matter of serious concern. Clarification of these is critical to an assessment of
the nature of Iran’s past and present nuclear programme. Iran has agreed to address the alleged studies.
However, it maintains that all the allegations are baseless and that the data have been fabricated.

28. The Agency’s overall assessment of the nature of Iran’s nuclear programme also requires, inter
alia, an understanding of the role of the uranium metal document, and clarifications by Iran concerning
some procurement activities of military related institutions, which remain outstanding. Substantive
explanations are required from Iran to support its statements on the alleged studies and on other
information with a possible military dimension. Iran’s responses to the Agency’s letter of 9 May 2008
were not received until 23 May 2008 and could not yet be assessed by the Agency. It is essential that
Iran provide all requested information, clarifications and access outlined in this report without further
delay. It should be emphasised, however, that the Agency has not detected the actual use of nuclear
material in connection with the alleged studies.

29. Contrary to the decisions of the Security Council, Iran has not suspended its enrichment related
activities, having continued the operation of PFEP and FEP and the installation of both new cascades
and of new generation centrifuges for test purposes. Iran has also continued with the construction of
the IR–40 reactor.

30. The Director General urges Iran to implement all measures required to build confidence in the
peaceful nature of its nuclear programme, including the Additional Protocol, at the earliest possible
date.

31. The Director General will continue to report as appropriate.