Condoleezza Rice: US Allies MUST Exploit Iran’s Weaknesses
WASHINGTON (AFP) — US allies must exploit Iran’s weaknesses “more vigorously” and impose greater economic and political costs to prevent it from building a nuclear bomb, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Tuesday.
In a hard-hitting speech to a pro-Israel lobby, Rice stuck by the US two-track approach of increasing UN sanctions on Iran for its refusal to halt its disputed nuclear work but offering it incentives to change course.
And she reiterated Washington’s refusal to hold high-level talks with Iran about its nuclear program before it complies with UN Security Council demands to halt uranium enrichment.
“Diplomacy is not a synonym for talking. True diplomacy means structuring a set of incentives and disincentives to produce change in behavior,” Rice told the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
“If they (Iran’s rulers) think the best way to advance their national interest is through lying and cheating and terror, they will only deepen their isolation and the cost to their nation,” Rice said.
She said Iran is vulnerable to external pressure because of “its failing, inflationary economic policy, its discredited revolutionary ideology,” and the resentment its “violent” behavior causes in the region.
She singled out Iran’s alleged support for militant groups in Iraq.
“America will continue to rally the world to hold Iran accountable. But the world needs to rise to this challenge,” Rice said.
“Our partners in Europe and beyond need to exploit Iran’s vulnerabilities more vigorously and impose greater costs on the regime economically, financially, politically and diplomatically,” Rice said.
“For the sake of peace, the world must not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” Rice said.
The United States has led the drive that delivered three rounds of UN Security Council sanctions against Iran.
The United States, France, Britain, Russia and China — which make up the five permanent veto-wielding members of the UN Security Council — have also drafted a “refreshed” package of incentives that they hope to offer Iran.
No date has been given for when the package will be delivered.
Rice reiterated US disbelief at Iran’s claim to pursue peaceful nuclear energy.
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US allies must exploit Iran’s weaknesses like their inability to dodge supersonic shrapnel!!
June 3rd, 2008 at 12:52 pmCondi Rice is a lost cause. When IRAN sets off their 1st Nuke the idiot Rice will be still chirping for more diplomacy. History will not be kind to this closet Liberal!
June 3rd, 2008 at 2:00 pmAt least she makes Mad Albright look like less of a complete failure…they are 2 peas in the DOS pod.