Interview With ARD

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, can you give us a brief timeline on what will happen with Kosovo in the next few days and the time ahead?

UNDER SECRETARY BURNS: I think the time has come for us to focus on the independence of Kosovo. You will see in the United Nations the resolution being debated over the next several weeks in New York. We will, of course, be working directly with the Russian government to encourage the Russian government to come with us and to develop a good way forward. We very much value Germany and the lead role that Germany has played for many years on Kosovo. We are partners with Germany and we think that independence is the future of Kosovo. And that should be decided in the coming weeks in New York at the United Nations.

QUESTION: Another big issue that you will address in your talks tomorrow and in the days coming after, that is Iran, of course, and their nuclear program. Can you give us the latest development in that and what will happen to Iran if they do not come to the negotiation table?

UNDER SECRETARY BURNS: Well, I think Germany and the United States are completely together in advising the Iranian government to come and negotiate with us. No one wants confrontation. We do not want to see a military confrontation with Iran. We want to see a peaceful resolution of this dispute. But, you know, the world is speaking with one voice. You have the entire Security Council voting sanctions against Iran. You have countries, not just Europe and the United States, and Russia and China, but you have Brazil and India and Egypt and South Africa and Indonesia all saying: “We do not want Iran to have nuclear weapons. We want Iran to come and negotiate.” So, Javier Solana is negotiating now on behalf of Europe and the United States and Russia and China to convince the Iranians to agree to negotiations. We are ready. The United States wants to be at the negotiating table with Iran. Iran is saying “No.” We hope Iran will reconsider.

QUESTION: And if they don’t?

UNDER SECRETARY BURNS: Well, you know, I think we have to continue trying to find a peaceful way forward. So, if Iran says “No,” let’s say in the next 30 days, I think you will see a third Chapter VII Security Council resolution. I think you will see much greater impetus for European sanctions outside the Security Council, for Japanese action -- economic action to end the “business as usual” -- and all the commerce and trade with Iran. So that the Iranians know if they develop nuclear weapons or continue to try to, there is going to be an international price for that. And it has been very good to see the unity between Europe and the United States -- and Russia and China -- on this issue. We are all unified on this.

QUESTION: Thank you so much.

UNDER SECRETARY BURNS: Thank you very much.