US, EU express "grave concerns" over Iran's nuclear programDecember 12, 2009 - 15:19 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The White House expressed "grave concerns" Friday over Iran's nuclear program, saying there would be "consequences" if Iran fails to comply with requirements of the United Nations and the UN nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). "The United States echoes the grave concerns expressed by the European Council today regarding Iran's nuclear program," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said. Gibbs said Iran has not taken advantage of opportunities to build trust and confidence, instead it has increased the international community's concerns about its nuclear program. He said if Iran continues to fail to comply with the United Nations' and IAEA's requirements, "there will be consequences." The spokesman said "the offer of constructive engagement is still on the table," calling Iran to uphold its international obligations, and return to negotiations with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council - Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States - plus Germany. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | International cybercrime ringleaders arrested in Armenia, Ukraine Europol, Europe's crime agency, has arrested four ringleaders of several cybercrime networks that used botnets. Armenia skips CSTO Defense Ministers meeting A meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers of the Collective Security Treaty Organization countries began in Almaty. Armenian, Iranian foreigh policy chief talk over the phone The Foreign Minister of Armenia once again expressed condolences to his counterpart on the death of the President of Iran. Armenia, U.S. customs authorities to boost assistance with new deal The government has approved an agreement with the U.S. government on mutual assistance between the customs authorities. |