Spokeswoman Dana Perino said Iran must halt its nuclear work.
The White House said on Wednesday that Western powers had to take further "punitive" measures against Iran because Tehran gave no concrete reply to their demand that it freeze its nuclear activities, Reuters reported. "In the absence of a positive response to the generous offer that we provided for in our extended package, we think that the allies will have no choice but to take further measures that would be punitive," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said. The White House statement came hours before senior officials from the P5+1 countries – the United States, Great Britain, France, China, Russia and Germany – were to hold a conference call to discuss next steps on the Iranian nuclear issue. Click here to learn why Iran’s stalling must be met with tougher sanctions.
The cabinet of Lebanese PM Siniora allowed for Hizballah's arms.
Lebanon's government this week unanimously approved a new policy statement, allowing Hizballah to retain its weapons arsenal and to continue its violent campaign against Israel, Agence France Presse reported. The statement, to be voted on by the full parliament on Friday, says it is "the right of Lebanon's people, the army and the resistance" – referring to Hizballah – "to liberate all its territories." One Israeli diplomat said the decision "creates a new reality… With the smuggling of arms into Lebanon from Syria, Iran's involvement, and the fact that Hizballah is now a part of the Lebanese government, there is a need to discuss the situation and formulate policy." In the two years since its war against Israel, Hizballah has tripled the size and scope of its rocket arsenal, in direct contravention of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which called for the terrorist army's disarmament.
Iranian lead negotiator Saeed Jalili ignored suspension demands.
In a letter to world powers about its ongoing nuclear program, Iranian diplomats ignored the key international demand that the Islamic Republic suspend its efforts to enrich uranium – a key step toward developing nuclear weapons, Reuters reported. The omission increases the likelihood of further U.N. sanctions against Iran. The letter was expected to address an international offer of incentives and negotiations in exchange for a halt to Iran's atomic work. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice warned last week that Tehran could face further international pressure if it used these overtures as stalling tactics in the dispute over its illicit nuclear program. Click here to learn about international efforts to isolate Iran.
Saad Eddin Ibrahim lives in exile in the United States.
The United States on Monday decried the recent sentencing in absentia of exiled Egyptian human rights activist Saad Eddin Ibrahim to two years in prison for defaming his country, Agence France Presse reported. "We are disappointed by the recent conviction in Egypt of democracy activist Dr. Saad Eddin Ibrahim," State Department spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos said in a statement. "Lawsuits should not be used to undermine the principles of freedom of expression. We strongly advocate – in all countries – the protection of civil and political rights, including freedom of speech and due process." Ibrahim was sentenced for "tarnishing Egypt's reputation," following a series of speeches and articles in which he criticized the Egyptian regime.
Iran refused to respond to an offer of negotiations over its nuclear work.
Iran failed to respond to a two-week deadline to agree to negotiations with the United States and five other nations over the country's illicit nuclear program, prompting calls for new sanctions against the Islamic Republic, The Los Angeles Times reported. "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 United States mission at the United Nations. "They leave the Security Council no choice but to increase the sanctions, as called for in the last resolution passed." Iran has rebuffed successive U.N. Security Council resolutions calling for a halt to its uranium enrichment activity – the key component of a nuclear weapons program. Click here to learn about international efforts to halt Iran’s drive for a nuclear weapons capability.
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