Tuesday, January 17 2006 10:50 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: Powerful members of the United Nations Security Council and Germany agreed yesterday (Jan 16, 2006) that Iran must fully suspend its nuclear program, Britain's Foreign Office said following a day long meeting in London.

Diplomats from Britain, France and Germany also informed officials from Russia, China and the United States that they plan to call for an emergency board meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency on February 2-3 to discuss what action to take against Tehran.

The Foreign Office said in a statement that the six countries had shown "serious concern over Iranian moves to restart uranium enrichment activities" and that they agreed on the need for Iran to "return to full suspension." The 35-nation IAEA board meeting in Vienna will discuss what action to take against Iran for removing some UN seals from its main uranium enrichment facility in Natanz last week.

The move alarmed Western nations that suspect Tehran is trying to develop the technology and infrastructure to build a nuclear bomb.

Iran insists its only wants to produce electricity.

Britain, France and Germay, backed by Washington, want Iran to be referred to the Security Council, which has the power to impose sanctions.