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Miliband in Iran nuclear warning | Miliband in Iran nuclear warning |
(30 minutes later) | |
Iran has no right to spark a nuclear arms race in the Middle East, the UK's foreign secretary has warned. | |
David Miliband told the Financial Times the global community must remain "clear and united" in pursuing a diplomatic solution to Tehran's nuclear ambitions. | David Miliband told the Financial Times the global community must remain "clear and united" in pursuing a diplomatic solution to Tehran's nuclear ambitions. |
He also warned Russia not to refuse to extradite suspects in the Alexander Litvinenko murder case. | He also warned Russia not to refuse to extradite suspects in the Alexander Litvinenko murder case. |
Mr Miliband succeeded Margaret Beckett at the Foreign Office 10 days ago as part of PM Gordon Brown's reshuffle. | |
Iran has been accused of not co-operating with the UN over its nuclear programme, amid fears it is enriching uranium to use in weapons. | |
Mr Miliband said the West was making a "very clear offer" to allow Tehran to develop non-military nuclear power, but said the country "doesn't have the right to undermine the stability of its neighbours". | |
UK-Iranian relations were tested earlier this year when a group of Royal Navy personnel was held captive by Tehran, accused of illegally entering its waters. | |
Iraq pledge | Iraq pledge |
In the newspaper interview, he also dealt with issues surrounding Iraq and Afghanistan, where British troops have been fighting for several years. | In the newspaper interview, he also dealt with issues surrounding Iraq and Afghanistan, where British troops have been fighting for several years. |
Britain must not retreat from the world David Miliband Profile: David Miliband On Iraq, he followed the lead of his predecessors saying: "As Iraqi capacity is built up, we hand over to Iraqi control." | Britain must not retreat from the world David Miliband Profile: David Miliband On Iraq, he followed the lead of his predecessors saying: "As Iraqi capacity is built up, we hand over to Iraqi control." |
Dealing with calls from anti-war groups for an independent inquiry into the conflict, he said his "first priority" should be the "safety of our troops". | Dealing with calls from anti-war groups for an independent inquiry into the conflict, he said his "first priority" should be the "safety of our troops". |
"I think we can look at questions of inquiries later, but that's not where I'm spending my time in my first week," he said. | "I think we can look at questions of inquiries later, but that's not where I'm spending my time in my first week," he said. |
On Afghanistan, where British troops have been engaged since 2001, he told the paper that the UK has the resources, ideas and the people to win the conflict. | On Afghanistan, where British troops have been engaged since 2001, he told the paper that the UK has the resources, ideas and the people to win the conflict. |
'Global hub' | 'Global hub' |
UK-Russian relations have been strained since last November, when ex-spy Mr Litvinenko died of radiation poisoning in London. | |
Earlier this week, Russian officials rejected an extradition request for Andrei Lugovoi, the prime suspect in the murder. | |
Mr Miliband said a refusal by Russia to extradite suspects would be treated "with the seriousness it deserves". | |
More generally, he hinted at a continuation of the interventionist style of foreign policy promoted by former Prime Minister Tony Blair. | |
"Britain must not retreat from the world," he said. | "Britain must not retreat from the world," he said. |
The country has the opportunity to be a "global hub" economically and politically, he added. | The country has the opportunity to be a "global hub" economically and politically, he added. |
Mr Miliband was promoted by Mr Brown from the environment department. | Mr Miliband was promoted by Mr Brown from the environment department. |
At the age of 41, he is among the youngest politicians to serve as foreign secretary. | At the age of 41, he is among the youngest politicians to serve as foreign secretary. |
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