Obama: Iran Faces ‘Consequences’ in Nuclear Issue

China and the United States agreed that Iran faced “consequences” if it resisted greater openness on its nuclear program, US President Barack Obama said Tuesday after talks with China’s Hu Jintao. Obama spoke with sterner language than Hu.

“Iran has an opportunity to present and demonstrate its peaceful intentions, but if it fails to take this opportunity, there will be consequences,” the US president said. Hu made no mention of consequences, saying the Iran conflict is important to resolve through negotiations.

China has significant economic ties with Iran, and Beijing has appeared less willing to endorse a tougher approach to restrict Teheran’s uranium enrichment.

In a minor step forward, Obama announced that the governments will reconvene their on-again, off-again human rights dialogue early next year. Previous rounds have fallen casualty to disputes over arms sales to Taiwan and other issues.

Hu expressed disappointment with the Obama administration over its decision to impose punitive tariffs and duties on imports of Chinese tires and steel pipes. “Our two countries need to oppose and reject protectionism in all its manifestations in an even stronger stand,” Hu said.

The Chinese president also called on the US to respect China’s “core interests” – code for ending support for Taiwan and for the Dalai Lama, in his Tibetan government-in-exile.

On climate, Obama said the United States and China are looking for a comprehensive deal during next month’s climate change summit that will “rally the world.”

Obama said the goal at the Copenhagen meeting should be an agreement that has “immediate operational effect,” not just a political declaration. As the world’s two largest consumers and producers of energy, Obama said the United States and China must play a key role in negotiating an agreement.

Obama said China has helped the United States pull out of the worst recession in a generation. He said a revised economic approach will help increase US exports and create jobs while helping bring about higher living standards in China.

Obama came to China seeking help with an array of global troubles. He and Hu sought to strike a balance between trading partners and competitors during Obama’s trip to China during his Asia tour.

Eager to achieve a successful summit, the two leaders avoided spats on economic issues. With America’s budget deficit soaring to a yearly record of $1.42 trillion, China is the No. 1 lender to Washington and has expressed concern that the falling price of the dollar threatens the value of its US holdings.

In the US, American manufacturers blame China’s own low currency value for contributing to the loss of 5.6 million manufacturing jobs over the past decade. During that time, America’s trade gap with China has soared.

Notes/Sources:
1.Al Manar,Lebanese News Outlet