Iran Nuclear Watch: Kofi Annan – Iran Interested in “Serious and Constructive Negotiations”

Satellite image released by DIGITALGLOBE shows the Bushehr nuclear reactor site in Iran approximately 17 kms (10 miles) south of the city of Bushehr. Europe’s big powers ratcheted up the pressure on Iran over its nuclear ambitions, urging UN Security Council action and saying two years of delicate negotiations had reached a dead end.

ASSociated Press: Annan Says Iran Wants to Discuss Nukes

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Iran’s top nuclear negotiator told him Thursday that Tehran was interested in “serious and constructive negotiations” with Britain, France and Germany over its atomic program.

During a 40-minute telephone conversation, he said, Ali Larijani said Iran wanted to resume negotiations with the Europeans, but this time favored a deadline.

Hummmm no mention of the United States, China or Russia.

Is this another BIG STALL?

He affirmed to me that they are interested in serious and constructive negotiations but within a timeframe, indicating that the last time they did it for 2 1/2 years and no result,” Annan told reporters.

The statement came after the British, French and German foreign ministers said negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program had reached a “dead end” and the Islamic republic should be referred to the U.N. Security Council, which could impose sanctions.

Refer Iran to the United Nations Security Council.

Time for negotiations is over.

L-R) French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy, Britain’s Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana address a press conference following of a meeting of the EU troika over Iran’s controversial nuclear programme, in Berlin . They said time has come for the UN Security Council to become involved in the Iranian nuclear crisis.