Sarkozy warns against intervention on Iran

PARIS

France’s President Nicolas Sarkozy says that a military action on Iran will not solve the problem, but will unleash a war and chaos in the Middle East. AFP photo

French President Nicolas Sarkozy said on Jan. 20 that France will do everything to avoid a military intervention in Iran and he appealed to China and Russia to support new sanctions to force Tehran to negotiate over its uranium enrichment programme.

France has led international efforts for tougher measures to increase pressure on Iran to halt its nuclear program. “Time is running out. France will do everything to avoid a military intervention,” Sarkozy told French ambassadors gathered in Paris. “A military intervention will not solve the problem, but it will unleash war and chaos in the Middle East.”

Sarkozy urged Russia and China to back the tougher sanctions. The two emerging powers, which have also blocked efforts at the EU Security Council on Syria, have shown their unwillingness to back further oil sanctions on Iran, creating a rift in the international community. “We need stronger, more decisive sanctions that stop the purchase of Iranian oil and freeze the assets of the central bank, and those who don’t want that will be responsible for the risks of a military conflict,” Sarkozy said. “Help us guarantee peace in the world. We really need you,” Sarkozy said, in a direct appeal to Moscow and Beijing.