COSTA RICA ASKS IRAN TO STOP NUCLEAR ENRICHMENT

UNCLAS SAN JOSE 001218 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR NEA/IR AND WHA/CEN JMACK E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL IR CS SUBJECT: COSTA RICA ASKS IRAN TO STOP NUCLEAR ENRICHMENT EFFORTS REF: SAN JOSE 1196 ¶1. Foreign Minister Bruno Stagno made the following public statement on June 1 calling on Iran to stop nuclear enrichment activities: "Costa Rica agrees with the international call for Iran to suspend its processing and enrichment of uranium, whose consequences could put the world at risk of an international crisis." ¶2. Stagno emphasized that due to Costa Rica's commitment to peace and respect for international law, Costa Rica expresses its support for dialog and negotiations with Iran, in the framework established by the UN and International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA),"that require a demonstration of cooperation and compromise on Iraq's part." Stagno added that "we are very pleased" with the announcement of the United States to assist the efforts of the European 3 to find solutions to the Iran nuclear situation. FRISBIE