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Source: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iran4-2008aug04,0,2845838.story
Iran Ignores Deadline to Agree to Talks on Nuclear Program
[Los Angeles Times] Borzou Daragahi and Ramin Mostaghim - Over the weekend, Iran failed to respond to an informal two-week deadline to give an answer on dismantling crucial parts of its nuclear program. On July 19, Iran declined to respond to a proposal backed by the U.S., Europe, Russia and China to begin preliminary talks meant to lead to the eventual dismantling of its uranium enrichment operation. EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana gave Iran a two-week deadline to agree to the talks or face a renewed drive by the UN Security Council for a fourth round of economic sanctions. But pressure on Tehran eased after Russia's foreign minister said last week that he opposed "artificial" deadlines. "It is clear that the government of Iran has not complied with the international community's demand to stop enriching uranium and isn't even interested in trying," said Richard Grenell, spokesman for the U.S. mission at the UN. "They leave the Security Council no choice but to increase the sanctions, as called for in the last resolution passed."