U.N. leader welcomes 'historic' Iran deal, a 'testament to the value of dialogue'


Not everyone is thrilled with the landmark deal on Iran's nuclear program unveiled Tuesday, but United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is clearly pleased. "I warmly welcome the historic agreement in Vienna today," Ban said in a statement, adding, "This is testament to the value of dialogue." He continued:
I hope — and indeed believe — that this agreement will lead to greater mutual understanding and cooperation on the many serious security challenges in the Middle East. As such it could serve as a vital contribution to peace and stability both in the region and beyond. [Ban Ki-moon]
Top diplomats from Iran, the U.S., China, Russia, Britain, France, and Germany finalized the deal early Tuesday. The U.N. Security Council will start enacting the accord in July.
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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
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