Senator John Kerry: Iran and North Korea's Efforts to Acquire Nuclear Weapons Seriously Threaten International Security - 2004-06-05

Senator John Kerry, the Massachusetts senator and a potential Democratic presidential candidate, states that Iran and North Korea's efforts to acquire nuclear weapons seriously threaten international security. He recently said in a speech in Florida: 'My number one security goal as President is to protect the United States, and victory in the war on terrorism will effectively prevent terrorists from obtaining weapons of mass destruction and will ensure the disarmament of hostile nations.' Kerry noted that the focus on Iraq has allowed Iran and North Korea to continue their nuclear programs, and the world must unite against them. He emphasized that a nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable and that it is important to work with allies to resolve these issues. Kerry expressed this view as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) released a new report indicating that Iran's nuclear program is more advanced than previously disclosed. The agency specifically pointed to Iran's work on advanced centrifuges that could be used to enrich uranium for weapons, noting that obtaining important information about the P-2 centrifuge program has often required repeated requests, and the information provided remains variable and contradictory. Kenneth Brill, the U.S. representative to the IAEA, stated that Iran's inconsistent stories and unanswered questions continue to symbolize its cooperation with the agency and added that even a disinterested observer should now ask what the Iranians are so insistent on hiding. Why do they want to keep their nuclear program from completely independent scrutiny? As their clandestine activities in uranium enrichment and processing come more to light, it seems clear to me that this ongoing refusal to cooperate aligns perfectly with a long-standing pattern of denial and deception that can only be designed to cover up Iran's military nuclear program. The IAEA is scheduled to meet on July 14 to discuss Iran's nuclear program. The agency may recommend that Iran's case be referred to the United Nations Security Council for consideration of sanctions. President Bush has stated that the international community must work together to make it clear to Iran that we will not tolerate the construction of a nuclear weapon.