Italy: We will join US against Iran

Italy's new Foreign Affairs Minister, Franco Frattini

Italy's foreign minister, Franco Frattini, says the new government of Rome is prepared to adopt a 'very firm' approach toward Tehran.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Frattini criticized his predecessor, Massimo D'Alema, for being 'too late' in understanding the importance of the Iranian nuclear issue.

He said he plans to discuss the 'P5 plus one' stance on Iran with his American counterpart, Condoleezza Rice, at the Paris donors conference on Afghanistan in June.

The five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany are trying to pressure Iran into abandoning its uranium enrichment program, which Washington insists is aimed at developing nuclear weaponry.

Tehran, rejecting US allegations, maintains its nuclear drive is solely aimed at producing electricity for its growing population.

"Now Italy will push forward to be really in the club on Iran," Frattini continued.

The Italian minister went on to say that under the rule of the new center-right government, Rome seeks to become a facilitator between Iran and the United States to conduct dialogue between the two countries. Link