Concern over Iran nuclear ambitions

2:57am Wednesday 8th October 2008

The UK is "very concerned" about Iran's nuclear ambitions and human rights record, Foreign Secretary David Miliband said.

Tehran's uranium enrichment programme represents a serious threat to security in the Middle East and the wider world, he told MPs.

The Government was continuing to press for oil and gas sanctions against the regime in Tehran, he said.

Tory spokesman David Lidington said Prime Minister Gordon Brown had "repeatedly promised but has not yet seen delivered" restrictions on oil and gas and a ban on export credits.

Mr Miliband said: "That remains an important part of our agenda, both within the European Union and internationally."

The Foreign Secretary and his officials met Iranian deputy foreign minister Mehdi Safari last month to discuss the country's nuclear programme, its role in the Middle East, human rights record and Tehran's relationship with the UK.

"We remain very concerned by Iran's behaviour in all these areas and are working bilaterally and with our partners to address them," Mr Miliband said at Commons question time.

Tory Andrew Robathan (Blaby) warned that "bellicose" comments directed against Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's regime could rally support behind him.

Mr Miliband said: "I hope you won't find bellicosity in statements from the Government."

But, he added, Mr Ahmadinejad's statement to the United Nations last month - in which he described Israel as being a "cesspool of Zionism" - was "completely abhorrent".

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