UN chief praises Brazil's diplomatic efforts on Iranian nuclear issue

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday praised Brazil and Turkey's diplomatic efforts in breaking the impasse over the Iranian nuclear program.

At a press conference in Rio, Ban said that the recent nuclear fuel swap agreement signed by Brazil, Turkey and Iran was positive. He stressed, however, that Iran still needs to assure the international community that its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes.

According to Ban, the UN Security Council will continue to discuss the

possibility of imposing sanctions against Iran, for there is still deep mistrust regarding the purpose of the Iranian nuclear program.

"There must be a balance. If the Iranian authorities make it clear that they will cooperate, the pressures (for sanctions) will diminish," he said.

The UN chief also commented on the renewed tension between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and South Korea. He said he did not believe the situation would escalate to an armed conflict, but asked the Security Council to work on a peaceful solution to the conflict.

Ban also praised Brazil's social programs and the efforts made by the country to fight poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The UN chief also visited a shantytown in Rio, where he met with local teenagers who talked about the troubles caused by poverty and violence.

Ban is in Rio to attend the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Forum.

Source: Xinhua