Perthshire Advertiser Monthly Article

December 2007

The US National Intelligence Estimate on Iran’s nuclear programme published recently suggests that Iran has put work on its nuclear weapons programme on hold.. If so, good. But Iran is still pursuing an enrichment programme that has no apparent civilian application, but which could produce the necessary material for a nuclear weapon, despite demands to stop from the international community.

Iran’s leaders portray this as a conflict with the international community who wish to deny Iran’s people their rights. This is wrong. The Government are not trying to stop Iran enjoying the benefits of nuclear power and have offered assistance to develop civil nuclear power industry.

The trust of the international community is constantly tested due to Iran’s unwillingness to allow inspectors the access that they seek. There will remain a lack of trust until Iran resolves issues about past activities and suspends its enrichment programme

The Security Council has passed three resolutions demanding Iran comply with international rules. Two included sanctions against Iran for failing to do so. The Government will now press for a further sanctions resolution. We cannot be afraid of diplomacy with teeth. The alternatives are all worse.

Since 2002, the international community has striven to resolve our differences with Iran diplomatically. The International Community has offered economic and political co-operation but Iran’s government has repeatedly rejected these offers. At the same time, they have provided assistance to insurgents in Iraq and the Taliban in Afghanistan. The government is also betraying its own people by failing to respect human rights and political freedoms.

If Iran’s actions are built on a perception that our aims are hostile, then I believe it is wrong. The international community want Iran to be secure and prosperous and to be able to exercise influence and leadership in the Middle East

Iran has the potential to be an important player on the international stage. Its people should be reaping the benefit of this, not seeing their country treated as an international exile.

There is a clear choice facing the Iranian leadership. On the one hand, a transformed relationship with the international community, including the US, bringing political, economic and technological benefits. On the other, further isolation. No one can make this choice for Iran’s leaders. But I hope they have the foresight and inspiration to make the right one for their people, who deserve no less