【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. negotiation [ni-goh-shee-EY-shuh n, -see-] (n.) – a discussion that aims to achieve an agreement
Example: The deal is not yet settled because it is still under negotiation.
2. beneficial [ben-uh-FISH-uh l] (adj.) – having a good effect or result
Example: Making peace with other countries may be beneficial to a nation’s economy.
3. envision [en-VIZH-uh n] (v.) – to see that something can possibly happen in the future
Example: The President envisioned a successful outcome of the deal.
4. sanction [SANGK-shuh n] (n.) – a punishment or consequence for breaking the law
Example: The United Nations gave sanctions to countries that have disobeyed the set environmental guidelines.
5. treaty [TREE-tee] (n.) – a formally concluded agreement between states or countries
Example: The President and the Prime Minister signed a ten-year treaty of solidarity.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in an interview that he wants to have a nuclear program agreement with the Western countries within three months.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei gave Rouhani the full authority to finalize the nuclear talks. Rouhani said he is persistent to set a three or six-month timetable to seal a nuclear deal, emphasizing that Iran envisions a process lasting in a few months, not years.
According to Rouhani, the only way forward is for a timeline to be inserted into the negotiations. Shorter negotiations may be more beneficial for everyone, he added.
Iran's economy has been badly affected by years of sanctions imposed by the UN and Western countries over the nuclear issue. The US and some other countries also speculate that Iran is secretly building a bomb with its nuclear program.
However, Rouhani emphasized in the latest UN General Assembly that the country enriches uranium only for peaceful purposes. The country also demands for international treaties to recognize its right to enrich uranium.
Rouhani also stressed that he desires to immediately resolve the nuclear issue as it may improve Iran’s relationship with the United States. Both countries did not have any diplomatic relationship with each other for more than 30 years now.
On another note, the US officials consider Rouhani as a more moderate and less confrontational leader than Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. But still, the officials insisted that they prefer concrete actions rather than just words with regard to the nuclear issues.
Although Rouhani did not shake hands with Obama in the said assembly, the Iranian president said that he is still open to future meetings with the U.S. leader.
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【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· Do you think the nuclear deal will improve the diplomatic relationship between Iran and other countries? Please explain your answer.
· In your opinion, is a shorter nuclear program negotiation better than a longer one? Why or why not?
Discussion B
· How can having a nuclear plant help a country?
· Is having a nuclear plant really necessary? Why or why not?