EU big three offered Iran carrot for nuclear deal

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L1912444.htm

BRUSSELS/VIENNA, Sept 19 (Reuters) - Britain, Germany and France defied the United States last month by offering Iran the prospect of sharing technology if it stops its disputed nuclear fuel enrichment programme and accepts tougher U.N. inspections.

Western diplomats told Reuters a joint letter by the big three European foreign ministers, the content of which has not previously been disclosed, was delivered to Tehran in early August despite intense lobbying by Washington.

It highlighted a wide gulf between the Bush administration and even its closest European ally, Britain, on whether to engage or isolate the Islamic republic.

The Europeans urged Iran to sign, implement and ratify a protocol to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) that provides for intrusive, short-notice inspections and to halt its uranium enrichment programme, which the West fears could be at the heart of a clandestine nuclear arms programme.

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[RUMMYisFROSTED]

1. How is NPT not helpful to the US?

"Washington did not consider it very helpful at all. They were worried it ran the risk of splitting Europe and America on this issue, and they talked to their friends and colleagues in Europe about that and attempted to dissuade them from sending the letter," a diplomat familiar with the exchanges said.

:shrug:

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. Treaty is a dirty word to Bush

It raises the spectre of the USA actually having to agree to do something that isn't its own idea.

[Nottingham]

3. Oh this is gonna tick Georgie off! and is Blair Buddying up to

Schroeder & Chirac maybe he remembered what side of the Ocean he was on all of a sudden :bounce:

[xchrom]

4. one should hope so

though when it comes m. blair, i have no faith.
britain under tony's leadership has cozied up to the u.s. too much -- and shown the world that both the u.s. and britain don't think the age of empire is quite over.