Iran blasts france's record in supplying N. arms

Iran's diplomatic mission at the UN Headquarters in New York lashed out at the recent claims raised by France about Iran's nuclear program, and criticized Paris for its record in supporting dictatorial regimes and supplying them with nuclear and chemical weapons."France has an unjustifiable record in sending chemical and nuclear weapons to the dictatorial regimes," Iran's diplomatic mission at that UN General Assembly panel discussion on disarmament and international security said, alluding to Paris fervent ties with the executed Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein, and the Zionist regime of Israel. "As a member of the NPT (nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty), France has a long record in non-compliance with its international legal undertakings in area of disarmament and non-proliferation," the Iranian delegation stated. The Iranian diplomats reminded that France has equipped the Israeli regime with military nuclear capability through its partnership in the construction of Dimona nuclear reactor, and said the European country, thus, does not deserve to express judgment about other states' nuclear programs or voice concern about non-proliferation. The reaction by the Iranian delegation came after France's UN envoy warned that Iran faces the risk of a military strike if it pursues its nuclear drive because certain countries would not tolerate a nuclear Iran. In surprisingly frank comments at a New York panel discussion, Ambassador Gerard Araud on Tuesday followed up on President Nicolas Sarkozy's statement that there could be a "preventive strike" against the Islamic republic. If we don't succeed today to reach a negotiation with the Iranians, there is a strong risk of military action," Araud stated.