BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...

Subject: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Bobert
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 09:06 PM

...Iran???

Looks as if all the plans are on the desks... All the meeting have occured... Everything is in place... All the rationales have been put together...

Yes, Bush very much wants to invade Iran... His war team has now changed its story on Iran to Iran being part of this overall nebulous "war on terrorism" and Bush thinks that the Resolution that Congress passed now gives him the freedom to attack anyone who he thinks might be aiding the Iraqi insurgents...

What bothers me4 is what I have just written... Yes, folks, make no bones about it... Bush and his neocons want to attack Iran while Bush is still in office and I firmly believe they are going to do everything in their power over the coming months to try to sell an Iran invasion to the American people...

I would so love to be wrong here but given the noise coming outta the Bush administration and given Bush's own happy trigger finger I'm very much concerned that Bush is going to do it, probably late winter or early spring and say he had the authorization from the resolution that Congress gave him to invade Iraq...

Oh, how I hope I'm wrong on this one but, deep in my bones, I don't think Bush has a clue just how much he has allready messed up and thus is ready to continue down this nightmarish dead end path...

Your thoughts???

Can he be stopped???

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Peace
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 09:25 PM

The US ain't got the legs to invade Iran. Period.

(Bomb the shit out of it, yes, but invade? Nope!)

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Art Thieme
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 09:34 PM

Bobert,
Seymour Hirsch, who I respect and tend to believe, said the same thing in a recent article---in the New Yorker I believe it was. And he reiterated it on NPR yesterday. Once again, the feeling of helplessness in the face of the ongoing travesties perpetuated by this administration is overwhelming.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 09:34 PM

And he wouldn't have the UK with him this time.

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Rapparee
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 09:35 PM

He wouldn't have anyone, including the American people, with him.

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: bobad
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 09:39 PM

France is sounding uncharacteristically belligerent in regards Iran lately.

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 09:40 PM

Which still leaves the question, would they be able to stop him? And how?

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: beardedbruce
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 09:45 PM

The question I have is, Can Iran be stopped before they start a global thermonuclear war?

It does not look like the Europeans have had much success, and even France seems to be aware that the IRBMs that Iran already has can reach it...

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Peace
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 10:16 PM

That's a good question, and one that has to be answered also. I know the US is lookin' out for #1, but so's Iran, and the Iranian leadership is as fu#kin' crazy as shit house rats. Their religious leaders are wacko. (I don't give a shit that other religious leaders are also wacko. The Pope might be nuts, but he don't have nukes. Iran does (or will very soon). So before y'all jump on my ol' pal with whom I've had more arguments than a horse has hairs, give what he said a good think. Iran is VERY scary, because they are CRAZY!

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: beardedbruce
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 10:40 PM

You want scary???

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: beardedbruce
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 10:42 PM

How about this?

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Peace
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 10:46 PM

Thanks. I'm gonna go home and TOSS and TURN.

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Rapparee
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 11:04 PM

I still say, let France do it.

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 11:10 PM

There's a good opinion piece at AlterNet.

Here's hte last bit from it:

The people of Iran, leading democracy advocates and even conservative Iranian-American exile groups oppose an attack. They understand that U.S. bombs falling on Tehran will only rally people behind the current government.

In an open letter to the United Nations, former political prisoner and Iranian opposition leader Akbar Ganji wrote, "Even speaking about the possibility of a military attack on Iran makes things extremely difficult for human rights and pro-democracy activists in Iran. No Iranian wants to see what happened to Iraq or Afghanistan repeated in Iran."

I don't know with certainty if the United States will attack Iran. It is possible that the Bush administration is ratcheting up militarist rhetoric in order to intimidate European allies into tightening economic sanctions against Iran.

And the decision whether to bomb Iran depends, in part, on actions by the American people. Now is the time to let your national and local politicians know that we don't need another human disaster in the Middle East. Code Pink is organizing a national campaign to get local city councils to pass resolutions against attacks on Iran. Now is the time for anti-war demonstrations around the issues of both Iraq and Iran.

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: GUEST,dianavan
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 11:35 PM

At present, their range is definitely self-defense. If an attack by U.S. forces should occur, Iran will probably import far-ranging missles from Korea. Do you blame them?

I'd say they are doing a pretty good job of protecting themselves and cannot imagine any country going down without a fight.

War with Iran is totally unnecessary.

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Beer
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 11:37 PM

Bush doesn't have a clue what is happening outside his head space. And because Iraq's invasion has failed he would want to nuke Iran. After all, he wants to go out leaving a mark on mankind. In his bed at night he is smiling at the wonders he has done so far because he doesn't hear his peoples cries. However his grin turns to a frown as he is trying to sleep because he wants to wipe the grin off the same fellow who is grinning back at him. So what is the quickest way to make the prick in Iran frown or disappear? Nuke them all and a few surrounding Countries that may be in the way.
Bobert..........I hope you are wrong as well. But how is this insane man in Iran going to be stopped?
Let me pose this question that has no answer.
If all countries outside the United Stated were at peace, would the U.S. look to start a war?
Beer (adrien)

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Ron Davies
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 12:01 AM

Don't worry--Bush is not about to invade Iran. Because this time he will need a real declaration of war--and from this Congress, he won't get it.

And even he knows that without a declaration of war, an attack by his regime will be a shortcut being the first president to be impeached and convicted--and therefore removed. Which may not be the place in history he was angling for.

And his own military is telling him that there will be no such thing as a surgical strike that would erase Iran's nuclear capacity--since the sites are widely scattered.

And on top of that, there would be certain retaliation from Iran--and just look at the boundary with Iraq. 160,000 American soldiers would be in jeopardy--to say the least. Not easy for him to explain the number of body bags suddenly coming from Iraq.

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 12:05 AM

Don't worry--Bush is not about to invade Iran. Because this time he will need a real declaration of war--and from this Congress, he won't get it. . .

You're delusional. We're all worried. It isn't going away--you know perfectly well that this man will lie and cheat to get to do what he wants. Period.

Be very worried.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Ron Davies
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 12:17 AM

How many of you are so far on the, to coin a phrase, "loony Left" that you believe your nemesis has no instinct for self-preservation?

Or do you just enjoy absurd speculation?

I think I've made my views on Mr. Bush clear by now--not exactly his #1 fan.

If however, anybody has any actual facts to contradict mine, I'd like to hear them. And a bit of logic would also be nice.

Thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 12:19 AM

Worrying won't do anything but ruin your health. Instead make damn sure your congresspeople KNOW how YOU feel about Iran, etc. Then make sure others know, be as outspoken as you can.

And, for those of you believe in the power of thoughts/prayers/etc. please light those candles, give thanks, believe and ditch the negative. This poor old world has enough negative vibes being sent out to scare and paralyse people. Send out positive instead. Remember:

Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead

And there is that old saw, "It's better to light one candle than to curse the darkness."

In my belief system, I consider it my duty to give over my will to the Great Spirit/Cosmic and to align myself with positive thoughts, words, and actions which culminate in giving Thanks for this or something better for the highest good of all concerned. I offer this as an example NOT as something anyone should do unless it is their choice.

With all good wishes for Peace Profound,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 12:19 AM

You're not offering "facts," you're offering opinion. You're suggesting he'll follow the law and listen to the Congress. We're telling you that he hasn't so far, so why should he start now? Drop the labels, pal, and open your eyes.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: GUEST,TIA
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 12:24 AM

SRS is correct. You want "logic" when discussing a madman?

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: akenaton
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 02:03 AM

Pease don't presonalise this too much.

Remember, the next president is likely to be Hillary the Hawk (Dem).
She has already designated Iran as "Terrorist"

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Big Phil
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 03:28 AM

Bush, if not from a wealthy, well connected family would be sweeping the streets for a living, how the good folk of the USA elected him to the TOP job amazes me. I do not think even Bush with his limited intelligence would invade/nuke Iran, not after the debacle of Iraq..

"The next president is likely to be Hillary the hawk" well then do not vote for her, or any of her cohorts.

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Peace
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 09:21 AM

What has to be measured is the threat posed by Iran. People who think Iran is not a threat are delusional. Their posture is anything but defensive. There is nothing at all defensive about ordnance. It is retaliatory. Or offensive, depending on the leadership. Iran's leadership is as crazy as America's. God bless.

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: GUEST,Hitlary '08
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 09:25 AM

As soon as you put Bush's face on the problem, you've been neutralized. Bush is not the problem. The man has a 91 IQ. Besides, Cheney is the hawk in this scenario. Or chickenhawk.

And regarding neocons, do any of you know what a neocon is? A lot of them are Democrat. Do you know that? They're supporting the run-up to a war with Iran.

We have one party at the national level of power, and a couple of years from now it may have Hillary Clinton as its head. Will you hate her as much as you hate Bush?

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Peace
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 09:27 AM

"a 91 IQ"

How did you print that number upside down?

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 10:20 AM

...the good folk of the USA elected him to the TOP job amazes me.

We didn't. He stole it...with help.

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 10:34 AM

And the second time round he and his zealots apparently managed to intimidate enough dumb Americans into thinking they had no other choice but to "stay the course" that he was reelected.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Bobert
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 10:35 AM

Ron,

From what I am reading and hearing is that the Bush/Cheney administartion has changed it's tune on Iran over the last few weeks from concern over its nuclear program to concern about its involvement in Iraq... This shift is allowing them to make a case that no Congressional approval would be needed... That is the scarey part of their thinking...

And, technically, yeah, I don't think the US has the boots to actually invade and I guess a better title of the thread would have had the word "bombing" instead of "invading", tho I consider a bombing campaign an invasion, non the less...

I will spend some time this evening composing letters to both my Senators, Jim Webb and John Warner... Forget my Representative... He's as braindead and stubborn as Bush... Plus, I'm not too sure he can actaully, ahhhh, read...

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Rapparee
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 11:14 AM

Assume Hilary Clinton is elected (and I sincerely hope not, nor do I think she can be). Assume she decides to invade Iran, or even bomb it.

The next President of the United States will inherit the mess left by this one. The "legs" still won't be there. Not without a formal declaration of war and all that implies, and I don't think s/he would get one.

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: GUEST,Neil D
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 11:38 AM

It wasn't the good people of the USA who elected Bush, it was the Republicans.
   He couldn't get the American people to support a war with Iran now even if it was advisable. After finding zero WMDs in Iraq he would be the "boy who cried wolf" when he starts talking about WMDs in Iran even though they well might be there. Our military is strained to the breaking point now and the American people, including a rising number of Republicans, are sick of war.
   This is just another on the long list of reasons we should have never attacked Iraq in the first place. If we meet a situation where we REALLY need to take military action (and I'm not saying that IS the case) we will be unready and unwilling to do so.

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 01:33 PM

Why on earth should Bush be worried about the minimal risk of being impeached? He's off anyway in a few months. I doubt if he's too worried about the pension implications if he had to leave early.

The thing to hold on to all this, and it keeps getting lost, is that there is no credible evidence that Iran is developing nuclear weapons. There is evidence that it could be doing so, but then that applies to a lot of countries.

There has been no offer of a deal under which, if Iran credibly guarantees not to develop nuclear weapons then the USA (etc) pledges itself not to attack Iran, and promises to treat any attack on Iran by a third party as a hostile act.

It seems to me that the failure to offer such a deal is an indication, on the one hand that there is not any genuine imminent prospect of an Iranian bomb, and on the other hand that there is an intention to provoke Iran into deciding to take the nuclear weapons road. The object being to provide justification for an attack on Iran.

I think it seems likely that some deal along those lines has in fact now been provided to North Korea, and has succeeded.

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Teribus
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 01:36 PM

"France is sounding uncharacteristically belligerent in regards Iran lately." - bobad, 03 Oct 07 - 09:39 PM

Actually bobad France has been feeling that way for quite some time - President Chirac was pretty pissed-off over the Iranian nuclear business. He very clearly stated some time back that France would be fully prepared to use nuclear weapons from the outset if France, or France's interests are threatened. He also announced to the world that the French Armed Forces have actually reconfigured a number of missiles on each of their four SSBN's to refine the attack profile in order that such a strike can be as "contained" as possible.

Not Bush you see, so nobody said a word.

The "Quartet" have been in "meaningful dialogue" with iran for about six years now in an attempt to get them to comply with their obligations under the terms of the NPT, all to no effect, as opposed to reigning in on their uranium enrichment activities they have accelerated them.

By the bye, take a look at what might be taken as threatening France and/or France's interests. The US does not have much to do with Iraq's oil, but France sure as hell does.

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: GUEST,petr
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 01:51 PM

the question ought to be Can Cheney be stopped..

the irony with Bushs plan bring democracy to the middle east
is that of the Islamic states in that region - IRan actually has the closest thing to elections and a grassroots democratic movement.

I think it will be a pretty stupid move to attack Iran (even by proxy with an Israeli raid) and not just in terms of oil prices shooting through the roof.

its like the antimissile system planned in Czech Rep. and Poland, Europe has about as much chance of being attacked by Iranian missiles as getting hit by an asteroid from space --they might as well invest in an anti-asteroid system...

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Peace
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 01:53 PM

Funny to read people talking about whether they have control over their government. That in and of itself ought to tell people something.

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: beardedbruce
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 01:54 PM

Forget my Representative... He's as braindead and stubborn as Bush... Plus, I'm not too sure he can actaully, ahhhh, read...


Sounds representative of you, though. I have presented various sources, you call them propaganda when they disagree with your claims regardless of who they are.And you STILL decline to present any facts to back up your "information"

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Wolfgang
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 03:34 PM

Problem with Bush's 1st term is that he has shot his wad! He knows it. Iran certainly knows it... N. Korea knows it... In choosing to attack Irag he has spread the military so thin that it is very apparent to everyone... I guess he wasn't planning on a second terms or maybe he would have waited to see if any real enemies were out to get us...

Too late now... No more wars unless we're outright attacked... (Bobert, in an earlier thread))

The invasion idea in this thread is complete nonsense. Air raids are a remote possibility.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Peace
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 03:42 PM

Iran has seven borders with other countries. They may decide to get rid of the disease in their midst without any US 'help'.

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Peace
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 04:04 PM

Then Iran would request UN intervention no doubt.

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Donuel
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 04:14 PM

Joe Average says If we let Iran get the bomb, who is next? Pakistan? Isreal, India...then what? France might want one too.

I met a well dressed lady in the bank yesterday that exclaimed loudly "can't anyone shoot Bush?"

Well that would probably help the PNAC plans.


Happy trails in the heat Pete.
Try not to be so scary Larry.
You ain't so holy Foley
I hope you find no solice Gonzales.
Your roads lead to Rome Rove
Your kindness is unfelt Rumsfeld
What's the rush Bush?
Go fuck yourself Cheney

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Peace
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 04:15 PM

India's had the bomb for years.

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: beardedbruce
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 04:51 PM

"If we let Iran get the bomb, who is next? Pakistan? Isreal, India...then what? France might want one too."


All of those nations have nuclear devices... As does the US, China, and Russia....

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Peace
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 04:53 PM

Has anyone wondered whether Bush is an 'agent in place' who's actually working for a foreign power?

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 05:24 PM

I think you may have missed the rather heavy irony in that quote,beardedbruce.

Of course that list mises out other bomb-holders - the UK, and a number of ex-USSR countries some with very problematic regimes.

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: beardedbruce
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 05:40 PM

OK, the UK is also evil...

"There are currently 189 states party to the treaty, five of which have nuclear weapons: the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and the People's Republic of China.

Only four nations are not signatories: India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea. India and Pakistan both possess and have openly tested nuclear bombs. Israel has had a policy of opacity regarding its own nuclear weapons program. North Korea ratified the treaty, violated it, and later withdrew."

So, when Iran and France get into it, the UK can throw it's bombs into the mix.

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: Peace
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 05:47 PM

'Atomic plans unstoppable, says Iran

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad today declared that the world would not stop Iran's atomic programme after France argued for stiffer sanctions against Tehran.

French foreign minister Bernard Kouchner sent a letter to his European Union counterparts yesterday urging wider financial sanctions against Iran, saying the UN's attempts to halt Iran's nuclear ambitions could prove ineffective.

Iran summoned France's charge d'affaires in Tehran afterwards to protest about the "extreme" remarks.

Today the official IRNA news agency quoted Mr Ahmadinejad saying: "I announce to the whole world that the Iranian nation has passed the difficult points [on its nuclear path] and no power can stop this nation from making more and more achievements."'

Just a piece of an article for those folks who've been saying that Iran had/has no nuclear ambitions.

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: beardedbruce
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 06:02 PM

So, how far is it from France to Iran?

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Next? Iran or Korea?
From: beardedbruce - PM
Date: 01 Jun 05 - 05:12 PM

Makes Ballistic Missile Breakthrough

A defence ministry statement said the new technology could be built into Iran's Shahab-3 missiles (pictured) - which the Islamic says already has a range of at least 2,000 kilometres (1,280 miles).
Tehran (AFP) May 31, 2005
Iran announced Tuesday it had successfully tested a new solid fuel motor for its arsenal of medium-range ballistic missiles, a technological breakthrough that sparked fresh alarm in Israel.
"The test was a success," Defence Minister Ali Shamkhani said on state television.

"When you fill a missile with liquid fuel, you have to use it quickly. With solid fuel, a missile can be stored for years. And in addition, it makes the missile more accurate and cheaper too."

A defence ministry statement said the new technology could be built into Iran's Shahab-3 missiles - which the Islamic says already has a range of at least 2,000 kilometres (1,280 miles).

http://www.spacedaily.com/news/iran-05p.html

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: beardedbruce
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 06:06 PM

Subject: RE: BS: Who's Next? Iran or Korea?
From: beardedbruce - PM
Date: 21 Dec 05 - 03:16 PM

Defense News 12/16/05
By Agence France-Presse, Berlin

Iran has bought 18 BM-25 missiles from North Korea which the Islamic Republic wants to transform to extend their range, the German press reported Dec 16. "Iran has bought 18 disassmbled BM-25 missiles from North Korea with a range of 2500 kilometers ( 1553 miles)," Bild newspaper said, citing a report from German secret services.

It added that Iran's ultra-conservative President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wants to have the range of the missiles "extended to 3500 kilometers". The newspaper said that until now Iran only had Shehab-3 missiles with a range of 1300 kilometers.

Subject: RE: BS: Can Bush Be Stopped from Invading...
From: beardedbruce
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 06:08 PM

Note the date: Glad to see we have made progress....


Subject: RE: BS: Who's Next? Iran or Korea?
From: beardedbruce - PM
Date: 10 Jan 06 - 07:22 PM

CarolC,

"German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier questioned whether European-led negotiations had any future and said Iran had "crossed lines which it knew would not remain without consequences." He said he had asked ElBaradei to quickly evaluate the dangers of Iran's move.

Britain warned the international community was "running out of patience," and Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said Tehran had breached IAEA resolutions. "There was no good reason why Iran should have taken this step if its intentions are truly peaceful," Straw said.

Japan said the decision was "a matter of deep regret" and the Foreign Ministry called on Iran "to immediately cease the resumption of the research and development activities."

Iran's decision to freeze some nuclear activities in October 2003 was voluntary, so the IAEA said it had no option but to remove the seals at Iran's request.

The move further erodes the suspension of nuclear activities that has been the centerpiece of Iran's negotiations with the West since the freeze was put in place as a confidence-building measure.

In August, Iran removed seals at another nuclear plant outside the city of Isfahan and resumed uranium reprocessing — a step before enrichment in the nuclear fuel process.

That move prompted Europe to break off its negotiations temporarily. The talks that resumed in December made no progress but were to continue later this month.

French    President Jacques Chirac on Tuesday warned Iran it would commit a serious mistake if it ignored the international community."