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Merkel claims keen on avoiding Iran sanctions

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged Iran to reconsider its nuclear program expressing reluctance in imposing further sanctions on the country.

Speaking at an annual reception for German diplomats on Monday, Merkel did not rule out the possibility of more sanctions unless Iran yielded to Western demands, DPA reported.

She urged Iran to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and allow inspections of it’s nuclear facilities to rule out Tehran’s alleged ambition to develop atomic weapons, a claim that Iran has repeatedly denied.

“Time is running out,” Merkel warned, claiming that “It would be a tragedy for the people of Iran if it came to that.”

Then chancellor’s comments come as European Union foreign ministers on Monday failed to agree on threatening Iran with fresh sanctions, awaiting a decision by the United Nations Security Council.

The meeting last week in New York of the P5+1 group (permanent members of the Security Council plus Germany) also failed to reach a consensus on imposing sanctions on Iran.

“Iran’s persistent failure to meet its international obligations and Iran’s apparent lack of interest in pursuing negotiations require a clear response, including through appropriate measures,” said a joint statement issued after the talks, which came six weeks after EU leaders called on Iran to shut down its uranium-enrichment program.

Iran has fiercely rejected claims by Western nuclear powers that its civilian nuclear program is not transparent, citing extensive cooperation with the IAEA. Meanwhile, the same powers, as well as the IAEA have largely ignored Tehran’s call for the total destruction and banning of all nuclear weapons.

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