Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Afghanistan

Merkel Says World United Against Nuclear Iran

Merkel opening the Munich Conference on Security Policy today (Courtesy Photo)

February 10, 2007 -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel said today in Munich that the international community is united in its determination to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, and warned the country not to use “tricks” to meet demands to stop its nuclear program.

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February 10, 2007

Her comments came at the opening of the 43rd Munich Conference on Security Policy, which is being attended by 250 officials, including 40 defense and foreign ministers. Iranian chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani was expected to attend today’s session.

Merkel, whose country holds the rotating European Union presidency, also said that a resurgent Taliban in Afghanistan is testing NATO’s commitment, and that a joint military and political strategy is needed to stabilize the country.

On Russian Energy

With Russian President Vladimir Putin listening, Merkel also said she had confidence that Russia can be a reliable energy supplier for Europe, and called for closer ties between the EU and Moscow to prevent the chance of instability.

Putin delivered the two-day conference's keynote speech today.

(AP, dpa)

The Proliferation Threat

The Arak heavy-water plant in central Iran (Fars)

BENDING THE RULES. Henry Sokolski, executive director of the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center, told an RFE/RL-Radio Free Asia briefing on January 9 that the West is hamstrung in dealing with Iran and North Korea because of the way it has interpreted the international nonproliferation regime to benefit friendly countries like India and Japan.

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Listen to the entire briefing (about 90 minutes):
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Iran, North Korea Present Proliferation Challenges

Tehran Watches As North Korea Tests Global Resolve

Rogue Nuclear Programs Threaten New Arms Race

Why Shouldn't Pyongyang Join Nuclear Club?

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