PM receives Ahmadinejad call, tells him be flexible, defuse crisis

As the European Union submitted a resolution to the IAEA calling for Iran to be reported to the UN Security Council over nuclear plans, Iran...

As the European Union submitted a resolution to the IAEA calling for Iran to be reported to the UN Security Council over nuclear plans, Iranian President Ahmadinejad called up Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today.

The IAEA’s board of governors—of which India is a member—is meeting in Vienna on Monday. Singh was said to have advised Ahmadinejad to adopt a ‘‘flexible position’’ to avoid a confrontation over the nuclear issue.

Singh underlined the importance for Iran to make ‘‘concessions’’ in an attempt to resolve the issue.

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Though the US has been keen that India support its stand on Iran, New Delhi has maintained that Tehran should honour the commitments it has made through international treaties, including the Non-Proliferation Treaty. India has favoured resolution of all issues through discussions and consensus.

Meanwhile, a Reuters report from Vienna said the Europeans intended to force a vote on the issue at the 35-nation governing board of the IAEA despite intense opposition from Russia, China and a minority of other countries.

‘‘It is unclear when the vote will take place. Perhaps Sunday, if we can do it. Maybe October 3,’’ one EU diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

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