Middle East News

Iran: We want constructive nuclear talks but no concessions

Jul 18, 2008, 8:54 GMT

Tehran - Iran on Friday said it was hoping for constructive nuclear talks in Geneva but reiterated again that it would make no concessions with regards to suspension of uranium enrichment, ISNA news agency reported. 'If we enter the talks with a constructive approach and avoid previous mistakes then we could definitely hold suitable negotiations,' chief nuclear negotiator Saeid Jalili said before leaving for Geneva for Saturday's talks. Jalili is to meet with European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana and representatives from the five veto powers plus Germany (5+1). For the first time also, the United States will attend the talks after Washington decided to dispatch Undersecretary of State William Burns to Geneva. 'We do not care what persons will be present in the talks but important is merely what approach they adopt,' Jalili said, referring to the first official encounter between Iran and the US following an almost three-decade diplomatic estrangement. Iran is expected not to accept the main demand by the 5+1 which is suspension of uranium enrichment but come up with new proposals to settle the nuclear dispute. Iran's reply to the upgraded incentive package of the 5+1 also included the Iranian proposals such as strengthening peace and stability in the region and resolving international problems. Observers believe that Iran will ask the world powers for acknowledgement of its nuclear programmes and in return resume the Additional Protocol of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) - allowing snap inspections by the IAEA - and allow Western countries to have an active contribution in its nuclear projects. Iran is also believed to offer its help in resolving the dilemma in Afghanistan, Iraq and Palestine. There have also been reports that the two sides might agree on a temporary compromise upon which Iran would suspend enrichment and the world powers further sanctions.

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RVJul 18th, 2008 - 09:16:21

Let there be peace on earth...

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margeJul 19th, 2008 - 00:24:09

Iran should never give up its right to nuclear energy or nuclear weapons regardless of the consequences. IF IT IS OK FOR ONE COUNTRY TO HAVE NUCLEAR WEAPONS, IT IS OK FOR ALL COUNTRIES TO HAVE NUCLEAR WEAPONS!!!

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