Posted on 03/22/2006 6:14:08 PM PST by prairiebreeze
~~snip~~
Diplomats from different countries, who declined to be identified because they were discussing sensitive classified information, said Iran appeared on the verge of assembling 164 centrifuges, the number needed to form a "cascade" mechanism that could enrich uranium for nuclear energy or, eventually, bombs.
In effect, they said the 164 centrifuges would significantly increase Iran's ability to make weapons, in defiance of demands by the United States, Britain, France, Germany and the United States that it cease its uranium activities immediately.
"What this means is that time is not on our side," a European diplomat said. "It means that while we are negotiating, Iran is not wasting its time."
Various diplomats also expressed a sense of urgency.
France's ambassador, Jean-Marc de la Sablière, said: "It seems to me we will need some time, a few days, I suppose. But we don't have much time. I guess that we will have to come to the end of discussion very soon. But I cannot tell you exactly when."
~~snip~~
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
Diplomats giving up on Iran? Ping.
164 centrifuges eh....ping me when they get 666 hooked up.
No time for Resolutions my goodness build an ashtray !
Hint. Those are in the OTHER building.
How very very French of him.
If a surrender monkey says weasel words does a bear cr@p in the woods?
Once Iran masters the operation of a 164-centrifuge cascade, it is my understnading that its ability to manufacture the fuel for nuclear weapons is essentially at hand, although the time to manufacture the necessary amount of fuel for a nuclear weapon remains in issue. It is my understanding that knowledgeable observers consider the achievement of an operational 164-centrifuge cascade the point at which the rationale for diplomatic maneuvering comes to an end. From the Times story, it appears that we may be weeks or days from that point.
It'd be nice if it wasn't the Slimes and wasn't mainly unnamed sources. The ultimate point is, the diplo's may be throwing in the towel.
And we should be surprised?
Not surprised. Noting the inevitable point in time...
Well, I have no power to affect this. I can only watch and hope some of the "players" will do the right thing. Other than Israel and George Bush, I can't imagine to whom I can look.
Agreed. Although we do have good allies in Australia, Britain, Poland and many eastern Euro countries.
If the report is true, it seemed to be one step closer to a wind down of diplomacy efforts. Time will tell.
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