Kerry to Iran: Offer 'real substance' in nuke talks

US secretary of state indicates int'l community ready to respond to Tehran if it addresses questions about its nuclear development.

By REUTERS
Sen. John Kerry at the Democratic Convention 370 (R) (photo credit: Jason Reed / Reuters)
Sen. John Kerry at the Democratic Convention 370 (R)
(photo credit: Jason Reed / Reuters)
WASHINGTON - Major powers are ready to respond if Iran comes to February 26 nuclear talks ready to address questions about its nuclear program, US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Friday.
The powers - Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States - are scheduled to meet Iranian negotiators in Almaty, Kazakhstan, later this month to see if there is a way to address Western concerns about Iran's nuclear program.
The United States, and its allies, suspect Iran is using its civilian program as a cover to develop nuclear weapons. Iran denies this, saying its program is for peaceful purposes such as generating electricity and producing medical isotopes.
"The international community is ready to respond if Iran comes prepared to talk real substance and to address the concerns, which could not be more clear, about their nuclear program," Kerry said in an opening statement at a news conference with Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird.
Click here for full Jpost coverage of the Iranian threat
Click here for full Jpost coverage of the Iranian threat
Kerry, who replaced Hillary Clinton as secretary of state on Feb. 1, voiced concern about Iran's recent announcement of plans to install and operate advanced uranium enrichment machines, a technological leap that would allow it to significantly speed up activity the West fears could be put to developing a nuclear weapon.
"It's disturbing," Kerry said. "And so my plea to the Iranians - or my statement - is a clear statement. We are prepared to let diplomacy be the victor in this confrontation over their nuclear program."
Kerry appeared to put the accent on the possibility of a diplomatic solution that could allow Iran to continue its civilian nuclear program as long as it convinces other states that its program is not to obtain weapons.
"The president has made it clear ... he is prepared to talk about a peaceful nuclear program," Kerry said.
"Iran has a choice. They have to prove to the world that it is peaceful and we are prepared to sit reasonably and negotiate how they can do that ... . Or they can chose to be more isolated," he said.
"The president has made it clear that his preference is to have a diplomatic solution. But if he cannot get there, he is prepared to do whatever is necessary to make certain that Iran does not have a nuclear weapon," he added.