The European Union has received a written reply from Iran regarding international proposals about its nuclear program. The precise contents of the letter have not been made public. The United States, Russia, China, Great Britain, France and Germany are planning to discuss the letter in a telephone conference tomorrow. Two weeks ago, the six countries offered Iran improved economic and political cooperation in exchange for a freeze of its nuclear activities. Iran was given 14 days in which to reply, something it has now done at the very last moment. An Iranian functionary has said that the letter to the EU does not discuss a freezing of Iran's nuclear program. This would suggest Iran does not agree with the request.
Note EU-Digest: Iran's response to an incentives package aimed at defusing a dispute over its nuclear program is unacceptable, U.S. officials said Tuesday, making the prospect of new sanctions against the country more likely. The Australian notes: "With only 174 days left in office, Bush may not need pressure from Cheney and co, or from the Israelis, to start bombing. He's got another motive. For centuries Roman centurions had no end of trouble with those pesky Persians. So perhaps Nero Claudius Caesar Germanicus W. Bush takes Persia personally."
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