Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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February 4, 2009

World Powers Discuss Iran in Wake of Satellite Launch
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=220D74F:A6F02AD83191E160531D97816F460C44A13B8D4F2090AB2B&
 
Envoys from France, Germany, US, China, Russia, Britain reviewing
diplomatic efforts to get Iran to stop enriching uranium 
A photo at an undisclosed location of an Iranian satellite launching
rocket carrying the satellite 'Omid' into space, 03 Feb 2009 l Top
diplomats from six world powers are holding talks Wednesday on Iran's
nuclear program, a day after Tehran announced the launch of its first
satellite into orbit. Envoys from France, Germany, the United States,
China, Russia and Britain, meeting in the city of Wiesbaden, are
reviewing diplomatic efforts to get Iran to stop enriching uranium. It
is the first meeting of the group since U.S. President Barack Obama took
office last month. The United States, some European countries and Israel
have expressed concern, following Iran's announcement that an
Iranian-made rocket carried a domestically-built satellite into orbit
late Monday. Experts say the same ballistic technology used to put the
probe into space could also be used in long-range missiles capable of
carrying nuclear warheads. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Hassan
Qashqavi, has dismissed concerns over the space launch, telling
reporters the satellite launch is a scientific achievement with "no
military aims."But Israeli Space Agency chairman and parliament member
Isaac Ben-Israel says it is worrisome that Iran has the technology to
launch a satellite into orbit. He disagrees with Iran that the satellite
is for peaceful purposes. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak warned
that Iran has improving missile technology capable of delivering a
nuclear bomb that could hit Israel and beyond. A White House spokesman
Tuesday said there is "acute concern" over Iran's actions. He told
reporters the United States "will use all elements" of its national
power to deal with Iran. A U.N. resolution prohibits Iran from engaging
in any missile-related activity, which Western countries fear could
eventually be used to launch a nuclear weapon. Iran says its nuclear
program is for peaceful purposes only.


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