Ankara 'must help' stop Iran getting nuclear bomb

Published on Tuesday 27 July 2010 15:47

DAVID Cameron has urged Turkey to help ensure Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon.

The Prime Minister used his speech in Ankara to repeat demands for the Islamic Republic to engage with the international community.

He said there was no "industrial logic" for Iran enriching uranium to 20 per cent unless it was producing a bomb.

"If Iran's nuclear programme is peaceful, why won't Iran allow the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency] to inspect?" he said. "Why does Iran continue to seek to acquire military components? And why does Iran continue to threaten Israel with annihilation?"

Mr Cameron said that Turkey "can help us stop Iran from getting the bomb".

"We need Turkey's help now in making clear to Iran just how serious we are about engaging fully with the international community," he said.

He said that Turkey and Britain shared the goal of dissuading Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Mr Cameron said he was hopeful Turkey could help achieve that goal through diplomacy and its influential role in the Middle East.

Turkish prime minister Tayyip Erdogan said at a joint news conference with Mr Cameron that relations between London and the Turkish capital of Ankara were enjoying "a golden age".

The two men were challenged over the issue of the latest United Nations sanctions against Iran, backed by Britain. Turkey voted against the sanctions at a meeting of the Security Council.

Mr Cameron said the bilateral relationship between the UK and Turkey was strong enough to allow a discussion of such differences in approach.

The Prime Minister also said it was important to work with Turkey as a strategic partner with a presence in Afghanistan.