BERLIN - German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday called on the international community to remain unified in trying to persuade Iran to stop its nuclear program, but reiterated that she saw no military solution.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel during an interview at the Chancellery in Berlin, September 2, 2006. The international community cannot stand back and watch Iran damage the United Nations with its refusal to heed calls to suspend enrichment, Merkel said on Wednesday. [Reuters]

In June, the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, plus Germany, offered Iran a package of economic and diplomatic incentives to limit its nuclear program.

Iran did not respond until August 22. Government officials and diplomats have said Iran did not address a freeze on uranium enrichment, the key condition sought by the six powers.

Speaking before parliament, Merkel said Tehran's response was "not satisfactory."

"We will not close the door to further negotiations, but as the international community, we cannot passively allow Iran to violate the rules of the IAEA," she said.

"It is especially important to maintain the unity of the international community of states," she said. "There is no military option in Iran, therefore this is about determination, but doing nothing cannot be the answer."