Iran warns against 'hostile' nuclear decision

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad today warned Europe against backing proposed UN measures against its nuclear programme, saying Iran would respond by downgrading relations with the EU.

Iran is concerned about moves at the UN Security Council to penalise it for refusing to cease uranium enrichment, a process that produces the material for nuclear reactors or bombs.

The Europe Union has been supporting the United States in pushing for tougher UN penalties than Russia and China would like to see.

French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said yesterday that the leading powers at the UN were nearing an agreement on a Security Council resolution.

Speaking to a crowd in this northern provincial capital, the president addressed the member states of the European Union, saying: “I’m telling you in plain language that as of now, if you try, whether through propaganda or international organisations, to take steps against the rights of the Iranian nation, the Iranian nation will consider it an act of hostility.

“And if you insist on pursuing this path, it (Iran) will reconsider its relations with you.” Iran says it is entitled as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.