Chinadaily: Germany's Merkel calls for step-by-step approach in dispute with Tehran

ChinadailyGermany's Merkel calls for step-by-step approach in dispute with Tehran

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for a step-by-step diplomatic approach in the standoff with Iran over its nuclear program and warned against moving hastily.

Merkel, speaking Monday at a news conference with President Jacques Chirac, also defended the French leader's threat last week that France might use its nuclear weapons against state-sponsored terrorism or to thwart an attack involving weapons of mass destruction, comments that drew criticism from elsewhere in Europe and from Iran. Merkel expressed hope that the international community will remain united on the Iran issue, saying she wants "the largest majority possible" for whatever course of action is decided upon by a meeting of the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog agency.