Turkey In Favor Of Diplomatic and Peaceful Solution To Iran's Nuclear Issue

UNITED NATIONS- Turkey's permanent representative to the United Nations said that Turkey was favor of a diplomatic and peaceful solution regarding Iran's nuclear issue.

Turkey's Permanent Representative Ertugrul Apakan delivered a speech at the UN Security Council.

If Tehran agreement was put into practice, it could contribute to a solution of nuclear program problems in a positive and constructive atmosphere, he said.

"We believe that there is no alternative to diplomatic and peaceful solution," he said. Apakan said that they signed Tehran Agreement on fuel-swap with Brazil (and Iran).

Apakan said they had some concerns that new sanctions on Iran could damage positive atmosphere and diplomatic process created by Tehran Agreement.

Turkey's saying "no" the resolution imposing sanctions against Iran did not mean that Turkey did not attach importance to problems stemming from Iran's nuclear program, he said.

Apakan said they expected Iran to work in accordance with the Tehran Agreement.

The resolution imposing a fourth round of sanctions against Iran was approved earlier in the day with 12 'yes' votes, two 'no' votes from Brazil and Turkey, and one abstention from Lebanon.