By Country / Iran
Iran Defiant As Rice Says UN Action 'Matter Of Time'
May 10, 2006
Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad (left) with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (epa)
Speaking alongside Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono after a meeting in Jakarta, Ahmadinejad said Iran is "capable of defending its own rights and interests." He also said Iran resents what he called "incorrect decisions" by the international community.
Ahmadinejad made the statement shortly after European diplomats announced that they were preparing a new package of incentives and potential penalties to persuade Iran to halt its uranium enrichment program.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, speaking today in an interview on U.S. television, said that it is "only a matter of time" before action is taken on the matter at the UN.
She also said "there are many diplomatic steps yet to be taken."
The Indonesian president today said that Indonesia is willing to help mediate the dispute.
(AFP, AP, Reuters)