Opinion | Editorials
End Iran impasse with peace moves
The use of force should not be resorted to in the pursuit for a peaceful ending.
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:14 July 5, 2008
The ongoing standoff on Iran's nuclear programme should come to an end - that is, a peaceful one. To have the matter drag on for so long without resolution is unacceptable as it would prove to be costly to all the concerned parties, especially the region.
Iran has said it forwarded its response to an incentive package that was earlier forwarded by China, the EU, France, Russia, the UK and the US. "Iran will not go back on its right on the nuclear issue. Iran insists on the negotiations while respecting its rights and avoiding any loss of international rights", said spokesperson Gholamhossein Elham. The package on offer was formulated on a 2006 proposal as means of reaching an agreement with Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment plan so that talks could begin - any talks - something Iran has categorically refused all along.
But the question at hand is serious, as any nuclear programme will affect stability in the entire region. Nations have the right to pursue a peaceful nuclear programme for domestic energy purposes, as long as it falls under international regulatory bodies. But more importantly, the use of force should not be resorted to in the pursuit for a peaceful ending.
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