German diplomat: Iran deal alternative 'not very attractive'

[webfact]

German diplomat: Iran deal alternative 'not very attractive'
ANN SANNER, Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Alternatives to a deal to curb Iran's nuclear program are "not very attractive," a top German diplomat said Thursday, noting that Germany and other nations are ready to move beyond sanctions despite what the U.S. Congress might do.

The German ambassador to the U.S., Peter Wittig, made the comments while speaking on a range of international issues during a forum in central Ohio.

The U.S. and other nations negotiating with Iran have long suspected that its nuclear program is secretly aimed at weapons capability. Tehran insists the program is entirely devoted to civilian purposes.

The nuclear talks resume next week in Vienna, with a target date of June 30 for a final agreement.

Germany and the U.S. are among the six nations negotiating a nuclear deal with Iran. The others are France, Britain, Russia and China.

Wittig, in remarks to the Columbus Metropolitan Club, said, "The alternatives to a negotiated deal are not very attractive."

While he said the U.S. Congress would probably be willing to impose new sanctions, other countries would not follow.

"And this universal sanctions regime would crumble," he said. "And that would, in my opinion, unleash this arms race for a nuclear weapon in the region."

The ambassador's remarks came on the same day that the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed legislation to let Congress review and possibly reject any final deal with Tehran.

Wittig praised U.S. diplomatic efforts in the nuclear talks while offering Germany's perspective on the negotiations. He stressed that military strikes were not a solid alternative to a negotiated deal either.

"It could set back Iran's ambitions for a couple months, maybe years, but it would not be lasting and not be very viable," he said.

He said his government urges that diplomacy be given a chance. Any agreement that materializes this summer will be reviewed and judged on its merits, he added.

Wittig also met privately Thursday with Republican Gov. John Kasich, who is weighing a potential presidential bid in 2016.

Kasich's office said the governor and Wittig discussed opportunities for increased investment and trade between German and Ohio companies. The governor presented him with a football signed by Ohio State University football star Archie Griffin, the only two-time winner of the Heisman Trophy.

The ambassador also met with leaders of German companies operating in Ohio during his first visit to the state.


-- (c) Associated Press 2015-05-08

[ezzra]

He's merely stating the obvious and something that everyone knows by now that Iran will have a nuclear capabilities, it is an common knowledge that Iran desperate to have them and almost nothing will stop them, but Obama and the European head of states negotiating with Iran want to put this issue behind them and in their zeal and hast to do so, are forgoing the simple truth that Iran is smarter than all of them put together,

The only language Iran understand is force, display of power and might and more sanctions, but what do you do when mega conglomerate around the world are chomping at the bits eager to do business with Iran, and in this world, the dollar is mightier than blood and trump common sense....

[elgordo38]

He's merely stating the obvious and something that everyone knows by now that Iran will have a nuclear

capabilities, it is an common knowledge that Iran desperate to have them and almost nothing will stop them,

but Obama and the European head of states negotiating with Iran want to put this issue behind them and in

their zeal and hast to do so, are forgoing the simple truth that Iran is smarter than all of them put together,

The only language Iran understand is force, display of power and might and more sanctions, but what do

you do when mega conglomerate around the world are chomping at the bits eager to do business with

Iran, and in this world, the dollar is mightier than blood and trump common sense....

Not many countries left in the world for the big boys to pillage. Its their god given right in their eyes I guess. Its a sad world we live in today. I am glad I am close to the finish line. I just feel sorry for my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren the despicable horrors they will see and endure. I think big business will enslave them all unless there is a Bill Gates or Warren Buffett among them which I doubt. Big government is the ringmaster in all of this. There is no rule of law left. We the unrich are but cogs in a wheel serving the lesser good.

[Scott]

Off-topic posts removed. This topic is about a German diplomats comments.

[IAMHERE]

Interesting to hear what countries other than USA, Isreal, and Iran have to say about the Iranian nuclear weapons.