UK: British prime minister Gordon Brown threatens Iran's oil intrerest unless it curbs nuclear ambition
Record ID:
722429
UK: British prime minister Gordon Brown threatens Iran's oil intrerest unless it curbs nuclear ambition
- Title: UK: British prime minister Gordon Brown threatens Iran's oil intrerest unless it curbs nuclear ambition
- Date: 13th November 2007
- Summary: (W5) LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM (NOVEMBER 12, 2007) (ITN - NO ACCESS UK/ABC(Aust)/TVNZ/.CO.UK WEBSITES (Internet)) SOUNDBITE (English) BRITISH PRIME MINISTER GORDON BROWN SAYING: "It's no secret that I'm a life-long admirer of America. I have no truck with anti-Americanism in Britain or in Europe. I believe that our ties with America, founded on values we share, constitute our most important bilateral relationship. SARAH, WIFE OF GORDON BROWN SOUNDBITE (English) BRITISH PRIME MINISTER GORDON BROWN SAYING: "Our hard-headed internationalism means we will never retreat from our responsibilities. At all times justice in jeopardy, security at risk, suffering that cries out, will command our concern." DINERS CLAPPING BROWN SHAKES HANDS WITH LORD MAYOR
- Embargoed: 28th November 2007 12:00
- Keywords:
- Topics: International Relations,Energy
- Reuters ID: LVAF45GWUHS2VMLVJXNBYTNLGWTE
- Story Text: Britain will push to curb energy and financial investment in Iran unless Tehran addresses nuclear concerns, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said on Monday (November 12) in a speech that also underlined Washington's importance as an ally.
"We will lead in seeking tougher sanctions both at the U.N. and in the European Union, including on oil and gas investment and the financial sector," Brown said, unless there are positive reports this month from EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and the United Nations nuclear watchdog.
"Iran should be in no doubt about our seriousness of purpose," he said in his first major foreign policy speech since becoming premier in June.
The five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council -- Britain, the United States, France, Russia and China -- plus Germany, agreed earlier this month to proceed with a third round of sanctions against Iran.
Iran has refused to halt uranium enrichment after two previous U.N.
sanctions resolutions and denies the West's allegations that it wants to make atomic bombs, saying its programme is for peaceful power generation.
The United States has not ruled out military action against Iran. Brown has urged a diplomatic solution, while also saying he will not rule out anything.
In his speech, Brown emphasised he was a "life long admirer of America" and added: "I believe that our ties with America -- founded on values we share -- constitute our most important bilateral relationship."
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair's close relationship with U.S.
President George W. Bush, derided by some as too close, contributed to the popularity slump that hastened his departure from office after 10 years.
Since taking over, Brown has sought to distance himself from much of Blair's foreign policy programme and has made it clear Britain plans to start withdrawing troops from Iraq as soon as possible -- policies which are reported to have irritated some policy advisers at the White House. - Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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