Teheran, Feb 3 (DPA) Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned the French ambassador to Tehran Sunday in protest France’s “unrealistic policies” over Tehran’s nuclear programme, state television’s Web site reported.
France, along with the US and some European states, is planning to put more diplomatic pressure on Iran to halt its nuclear activity which the West fears is aimed at making atomic weapons.
Tehran says its nuclear programme is only for peaceful purposes, including generating electricity.
Paris has stepped up its rhetoric against Tehran, particularly regarding the nuclear issue, ever since President Nicolas Sarkozy took office last May.
“Iran expressed its dissatisfaction and protested France’s policy and its negative rhetoric towards Iran’s peaceful nuclear activities,” the state broadcaster’s website said in a report.
Earlier on Sunday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini, accused Sarkozy of hostility towards Iran.
“We have been witnessing hostile stances from Mr. Sarkozy and his administration,” Hosseini told a news conference, adding that “in the case of continuation of such policy, we would revise our stance as well.”
France and Iran have enjoyed good commercial and political relations but the ties went through some tension after French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner last September said the world should prepare for a war with Iran.
UN Security Council members began discussions last month on a new draft resolution to strengthen current sanctions against Iran for defying calls to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
Two sets of sanctions have already been imposed on Iran.