DPA
Brdo (Slovenia), June 10 (DPA) The European Union and the United States agreed to tighten the squeeze on Iran’s financial links to disrupt its alleged support of terrorism and nuclear proliferation, according to a draft statement at an EU-US summit Tuesday. US President George W. Bush and top EU officials renewed a demand for Iran to suspend uranium enrichment, warning that “we are ready to supplement (UN) sanctions with additional measures,” the document said.

Both sides would work together “to take steps to ensure Iranian banks cannot abuse the international banking system to support proliferation and terrorism,” said the draft.

EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and Bush were scheduled to announce the summit results later Tuesday after the talks at a secluded castle in Slovenia, which holds the rotating EU presidency.

Both sides also pressed Russia to back off its push for influence in former Soviet republics, and especially called on Moscow to respect Georgia’s sovereignty.

“We reiterate our commitment to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders, and call on all parties, in particular on Russia, to support these principles,” the document said.

The two sides also commended efforts by Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova to draw closer to the West.

EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and Bush were due to present the summit statement later Tuesday after the talks at a castle in Slovenia.
DPA