Brussels, 10/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 10 January, Italy firmly condemned Iran's announcement that it would be enriching uranium at the new Fordo site, saying it was a great matter for concern, and stating it would support the adoption of tough, effective sanctions. Maurizio Massari, Italy's Foreign Minister, states in a press release that, unfortunately, Tehran seems to want to go in the opposite direction to that indicated in UN and IAEA resolutions. It is inevitable, he added, that pressure be put on Iran at this stage by stepping up sanctions, with measures aimed at preventing Iran from having the means to continue its nuclear activities, which run counter to international law. By way of conclusion, he said Italy will, with its international and European partners, support the adoption of robust, effective sanctions.
On Tuesday, Iran rejected the criticism of the United States and European nations, and, on Monday, the IAEA confirmed that Iran had begun the production of uranium enriched at 20% on its Fordo site, located at 150 km to the south-west of Tehran, not far from the religious town of Qom. The production plant is hidden under a mountain and would be hard to attack using military means. Uranium enrichment is at the heart of the conflict that, for several years now, has caused a rift between Iran and the international community, which fears the Iranian nuclear programme is for military purposes despite Tehran's repeated denials. The UN Security Council has already voted on six resolutions, including four with sanctions, to force the Iranians to suspend enrichment. Unlike the western countries, Russia and China are opposed to new sanctions and further pressure against Tehran. Iran states it is willing to resume nuclear talks with the powers that make up the 5+1 group, but the head of European Union foreign policy, Catherine Ashton, has said she is awaiting a written letter from the Islamic Republic. (LC/transl.jl)