Brown calls for diplomacy with Iran

LONDON, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is calling for an increase in diplomatic efforts to resolve the nuclear dispute with Iran.

In a recent interview, Brown said diplomatic efforts with Iran over its nuclear program must be increased if any progress is to be maintained, the Prime Minister's Office reported.

Brown said that sanctions against Iran are having some effect and talks have shown some positive gains. He called for greater cooperation from the European Union, United States, Russia and China it order to help resolve the dispute.

"I think people are genuinely worried about the nuclear ambitions of Iran in contravention of everything that has been promised," Brown said in a statement.

"I believe, however, that while nothing should be ruled out, it is important to say that the sanctions that we are placing on Iran are having some effect, that we will continue to look at how the United Nations regime can be improved if it becomes necessary but Iran of course has an opportunity to comply with the International Atomic Energy Authority and with its obligations under the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty and I hope they will do so."

Brown also said that if Iran abandoned what is widely believed to be a military nuclear program, assistance could be offered to help in the development of civil nuclear power capabilities. Tehran says its program is for civilian purposes only.