REPORT: Obama says diplomatic path toward Iran must be tested

US President Barack Obama on Tuesday mentioned Iranian victims of chemical weapons in his speech at the UN General Assembly in what seemed a gesture to the new government of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.   

In his address, Obama said the global consensus against the use of chemical weapons had been strengthened by memories of "soldiers suffering in trenches, Jews slaughtered in gas chambers, Iranians poisoned in the many tens of thousands."      

Obama told the UN General Assembly that there should be a basis for an agreement on Iran's nuclear ambitions but that the roadblocks will be difficult to overcome. 

In an address laying out US policy toward the volatile Middle East and North Africa, Obama made clear that the United States will take direct action to eliminate threats when necessary and will use military force when diplomacy fails.    

Obama, in closely watched remarks on Iran based on a diplomatic opening offered by Iran's new president, Hassan Rouhani, said the United States wants to resolve the Iran nuclear issue peacefully but is determined to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.    

"The roadblocks may prove to be too great but I firmly believe the diplomatic path must be tested," Obama said.    

He urged the UN Security Council to approve a strong resolution aimed at ensuring Syria keeps its commitments to give up chemical weapons and said the United States will provide an additional $340 million in humanitarian aid.   


REUTERS

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