Merkel warns of further sanctions on Iran

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, says Germany is preparing to impose further sanctions against Iran if there is no change in Tehran's stance on its disputed nuclear energy program.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (R) and Israeli Prime Minister  Benjamin Netanyahu speak during a news conference at the Chancellery in Berlin January 18, 2010. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Monday that Germany would be working on possible new sanctions against Iran in the weeks ahead if there was no change in Tehran's stance on its disputed nuclear energy programme.REUTERS/Thomas Peter

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, "Germany has made it clear, that if Iran's reaction does not change, we will work on a comprehensive package of sanctions. Of course we would prefer it if these sanctions could be agreed upon within the framework of the United Nations Security Council. Officials will be working on this in the coming weeks."

Merkel's remarks came after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Berlin. The two leaders also discussed international efforts to renew Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. Six world powers, including Germany and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, met on Saturday in New York to discuss prospects of imposing further sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program. They suspect Iran will use the technology to produce nuclear weapons. But, Tehran says its nuclear aspirations are aimed solely at generating electricity.