Region | Iran
G8 urges Iran to respond to nuclear incentives
The Group of Eight nations urged Iran on Friday to respond positively to the latest in a series of Western incentives aimed at curbing its nuclear activities.
- Agencies
- Published: 14:10 June 27, 2008
Kyoto, Japan: The Group of Eight nations urged Iran on Friday to respond positively to the latest in a series of Western incentives aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear activities.
Iran rejected the offer, saying it has a right to develop civilian nuclear power. Governments suspect Iran is secretly developing nuclear weapons.
"We call on Iran to respond to the updated incentives plan in a constructive manner," foreign ministers of the G8 rich countries said in a statement issued after a two-day meeting in Kyoto, Japan.
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was reported as saying on Thursday that Iran's "enemies" would never stop its nuclear activities.
The European Union agreed new sanctions on Monday targetting businesses and individuals linked to Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. The measures include a freeze on the assets of Iran's largest bank, Bank Melli.
In response, Iran said it would withdraw its assets from the EU, a report said this week.
The G8 foreign ministers also urged Iran to be more cooperative in dealings in its regional neighbourhood.
"We also urge Iran to act in a more responsible and constructive manner in the region, especially with regard to the Middle East peace process and the stability of Iraq and Afghanistan," the statement said.
Share this article
Related Articles
Popular in News
News Editor's choice
-
Music to get into the patriotic mood
Lebanese singer May Hariri to dedicate a song to the people of the UAE
-
Arroyo to contest for Congress seat in 2010 elections
Opponents say move to retain immunity
-
Kuwait plans more jobs for nationals
Opportunities for Kuwaitis in public sector to be cut
