WASHINGTON - The United States has agreed to drop its objection to Iran`s candidacy to join the World Trade Organization in support of European diplomatic efforts over Tehran`s controversial nuclear program, the US State Department said Friday.
President George W. Bush "has decided that the US will drop its objection to Iran`s application to the World Trade Organization and will consider, on a case-by-case basis, the licensing of spare parts for Iranian civilian aircraft, in particular from the European Union to Iran," Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said in a statement.
She said the move was "in order to support the EU-3`s diplomacy." The three European nations are France, Germany and Britain.
"The Europeans have been very clear with the Iranians that there will have to be certain objective guarantees that Iran is not trying to use a civilian nuclear program to provide cover for a weapons program," Rice said.
"We share the desire of European Governments to secure Iran`s adherence to its obligations through peaceful and diplomatic means," she added.
"Today`s announcement demonstrates that we are prepared to take practical steps to support European efforts to this end. The spotlight must remain on Iran, and on Iran`s obligation to live up to its international commitments," Rice said.
Britain, France and Germany are trying to convince Iran to halt its work on the nuclear fuel cycle -- including the sensitive process of enriching uranium -- in return for a package of incentives covering trade, security and technology.
The United States had until now advocated a tougher approach against Iran, threatening to refer it to the UN Security Council for possible sanctions.
The United States maintains that Iran is trying to covertly develop nuclear weapons, while Tehran insists that its program is purely meant to meet civilian energy needs.
03/11/2005 17:53 GMT