France against Iranian nuclear ambitions

French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said Thursday the international community should display a firm and united stance against Iran's nuclear ambitions. "It is important that the international community reacts to Iran's clandestine nuclear program in a firm, quick and united manner," Douste-Blazy said after meeting with the Turkish prime minister in Ankara.

Douste-Blazy's comments came as the U.N. nuclear watchdog met to consider referring Iran to the U.N. Security Council over its nuclear program, which the United States and European Union believe is not "exclusively for peaceful purposes."

Iran warned on Wednesday that such action will provoke it into starting full-scale uranium enrichment, a possible pathway to nuclear weapons. Douste-Blazy said it was important that Turkey, which shares a long border with Iran, communicates with Tehran on the nuclear issue.

"On the one hand we have to react strongly, on the other hand, we should not close the door," Douste-Blazy said. The Turkish Foreign Ministry has in the past publicly called on Iran to cooperate with the European Union and the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog to overcome a crisis over Iran's nuclear program, reports the AP. I.L.