French President Sarkozy Slams Iran And Threatens "Severe" New Sanctions

The AP reports that "President Nicolas Sarkozy criticized Iranian leaders for their handling of contested elections and their nuclear program, and pleaded for a new push for peace in the Middle East in a sweeping diplomatic strategy speech Wednesday. Sarkozy also urged other countries to follow France's example and limit bonuses handed out to bank traders to avert the kind of risk-taking blamed for fueling the financial crisis. French banks agreed Tuesday to change the way they hand out bonuses and penalize traders who lose money for their companies. Sarkozy floated the possibility of 'severe' new sanctions against Iran if it continues its nuclear activities. 'These are the same leaders, in Iran, who tell us that the nuclear program is peaceful and that the elections were honest. Frankly, who believes them?' he asked. Sarkozy's diplomatic posture remained firm and united with Washington against Iran. His speech included no major policy shifts, but pointed to a desire for a stronger French role in the Mideast and in global decision-making. Sarkozy says France will support new sanctions and stronger inspection powers for the International Atomic Energy Agency if Iran does not suspend activities, which leading Western powers suspect are aimed at developing nuclear weapons. 'There are more and more tests, there have never been so few negotiations,' he said." Tweet