Commenting on the construction of an additional “pilot” enrichment plant in Iran, hidden from the International Atomic Energy Agency until recently, Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier issued the following statement today (25 September) in Berlin:

”I am deeply concerned about the construction of an additional enrichment plant in Iran. It signifies another clear rejection by Tehran of the demands made by the United Nations Security Council.This development significantly strengthens the existing doubts about the Iranian nuclear programme, thereby making resolution of the conflict more difficult. The Iranian leaders have taken their country a further step in the wrong direction.

I call on the Iranian leaders to take the international community’s concerns seriously. Lost trust can only be re-established through cooperation. Iran therefore needs to reveal the nature and extent of its nuclear programme to the IAEA with full transparency. The E3 plus 3 expect a serious answer from Iran on the existing offer for talks.“