France says UN must take tough action against Iran

PARIS Jan 22 (Reuters) - The United Nations should adopt "strong measures" against Iran to persuade Iranian leaders to engage in meaningful discussion about their nuclear programme, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said on Friday.

Addressing diplomats based in France, Sarkozy said the European Union should also "assume its responsibilities" in putting pressure on Tehran to enter into negotiations.

"To hesitate or to prevaricate in the face of such an issue would carry with it a great weight of responsibility," Sarkozy said. "The only aim of sanctions is to lead Iran to the negotiating table," he added. (Reporting by Crispian Balmer; editing by James Mackenzie)