EU leaders criticize Iran

EU leaders criticize Iran

European ties with Tehran have soured over the past year amid Iran's refusal to abide by international demands that it stop enriching uranium, a program the EU, the United States and others fear is being used to develop nuclear weapons.

"Iran needs to play a responsible role in the region," the leaders said in a statement to be issued later Friday.

A conference of Holocaust deniers hosted by Iran earlier this week further aggravated tensions and led to another warning from the EU that ties with Tehran will depend on what future path of action Iran chooses to take.

"The EU condemns any denial of the Holocaust as a historical fact, either in whole or in part, and ... firmly rejects the underlying premise and the objectives of the conference on the Holocaust," leaders said.

They also cited "deep concern" over Iran's "threats toward Israel, and the continuing deterioration of human rights and political freedoms of its citizens."

The leaders also deplored Iran's failure to act as demanded by the U.N. Security Council and the U.N.'s nuclear safety agency on its future nuclear plans.

"This could only have negative consequences for relations between the EU and Iran," the leaders said.

A senior British diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly, said a Security Council resolution on Iran was likely within the next two weeks.

"We are working hard on it in New York. Everyone wants to see a resolution sooner rather than later," the diplomat said.

The Security Council is discussing a resolution that would impose sanctions on Tehran for refusing to halt uranium enrichment.

On Wednesday, Russia and the United States presented amendments to the latest European draft resolution at a closed Security Council meeting in New York. Officials said Britain, France, Germany, the U.S., Russia and China were moving closer to agreement.

Remaining issues to be agreed include a travel ban and details of a proposed freeze of the financial assets of companies, individuals and organizations involved in Iran's nuclear and missile programs.

The six countries in June offered Iran a package of economic incentives and political rewards if it agreed to consider a long-term moratorium on enrichment and commit to a freeze on uranium enrichment before talks on its nuclear program.

However, Ahmadinejad repeatedly has said his country will not halt its enrichment program.