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Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Military threat harmful to settling Iranian nuclear issue
Akahata editorial (excerpts)

About one and a half months have passed since the U.N. Security Council gave Iran 30 days to halt its uranium enrichment activities following the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) resolution that expressed "serious concern over the absence of confidence that Iran's nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purpose."

Iran continues work at the uranium enrichment plant, arguing that its nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes. In order to prove that the program will not lead to manufacturing nuclear weapons, Iran needs to accept the international framework including IAEA inspections and to convince the international community.

It is of great concern to everyone that Iran may withdraw from the international framework on the grounds that its claim is denied, and that countries including the United States may go ahead with imposing sanctions on Iran in disregard of an effort to build international consensus.

U.S. President George W. Bush has indicated that use of force against Iran may be an option. If the United States uses military force against Iran, a Middle Eastern power, it would destroy chances for peace in the Middle East as well as the rest of the world, and result in a quagmire. Brandishing military power will cause hindrances to diplomatic efforts, further delaying the resolution of the issue.

The U.N. Charter establishes the principle that international disputes should be solved peacefully, and prohibits the military threat or use of force. In solving the Iranian nuclear issue, it is necessary to firmly adhere to this principle.

The Japanese government supported the U.S. invasion of Iraq and participated in the "Coalition of the Willing" in support of the U.S. war.

The Japanese government is responsible for working hard to bring about a peaceful, diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue and must denounce the harmful effect of the U.S. military threat.
- Akahata, May 12, 2006