Yemen calls for peaceful resolution in Iran nuclear case [Archives:2006/913/Local News]

SANA'A, Jan. 18 – Foreign Minister Abubakr Al-Qirbi called for a peaceful resolution of the Iran nuclear issue Wednesday. He emphasized the importance of diplomacy and continuing EU-Iran nuclear talks to resolve problems via diplomatic channels.

In his statement, Al-Qirbi urged Iran to consult with Russia and seriously consider Russia's advice on resolving the nuclear dispute. In this regard, Moscow delivered a written proposal to Iran last month offering Tehran the opportunity to carry out its uranium enrichment in Russian territory. Both the European Union (EU) and the United States disagreed with the proposal.

Al-Qirbi said he was optimistic about the proposal and believes it would reconcile differences and contribute to promoting security in the region and ensure Iran's right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful requirements. He displayed Yemen's steady and unrelenting policy that the Middle East be free from all weapons of mass destruction. He also called on Iran and other Middle Eastern countries to seek to eliminate the reasons for regional tensions and avoid a nuclear weapons race.

Al-Qirbi also said the international community should force Israel to dismantle its weapons of mass destruction and allow checks of its facilities by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors.

The U.S. administration has accused Iran of developing nuclear arms in secret, confirming that military options should be used if Iran's administration does not cooperate with the international community.

Iran resumed its nuclear activities of uranium enrichment Jan. 10 after a two-year suspension. As a result, the U.S. and other western nations have called for transferring the matter to the UN Security Council for possible resolution.
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