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Iran rejects EU statements on use of peaceful nuclear technology

IRNA

Tehran, Sept 30, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesman here Tuesday 
rejected the European Union`s statements regarding Iran`s peaceful use
of nuclear energy as `inappropriate` and `political`. 
Hamid Reza Asefi said that EU`s declaration contravenes the 
principles of Tehran-EU cooperation. 
"We expect the EU to act independently of current efforts to 
politicize the issue," he said. 
He further referred to Iran`s cooperation with the International 
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Tehran expects the EU to recognize Iran`s
legitimate rights in using peaceful nuclear energy and strive to 
remove obstacles to this effect within the framework of the 
Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). 
Asefi said Iran will continue to cooperate with IAEA and 
`hopefully the international nuclear agency will be allowed to 
carry-on with its work without any presuppositions`. 
Tehran believes that in its relations with the EU, both sides will 
benefit and is ready to continue its cooperation without any 
preconditions with mutual respect, the Foreign Ministry spokesman 
underlined. 
Meanwhile, an EU draft statements said Monday that Iran must 
declare `unequivocally` that it harbors no ambitions to develop 
nuclear arms, Britain said Monday as the European Union redoubled 
pressure on Tehran to cooperate with international inspectors. 
EU foreign ministers warned of economic fallout if Tehran makes no
progress on key areas including non-proliferation, fighting terrorism,
human rights and the Middle East peace process, it added. 
"More intense economic relations can be achieved only if progress 
is reached in the four areas of concern," said the draft statement at 
a ministerial meeting in Brussels. 
The IAEA has given Iran until October 31 to answer questions 
concerning allegations that it is seeking to develop atomic weapons. 
The EU hopes `Iran will sign and implement the additional protocol
without delay as a first and essential step to restore international 
trust in the peaceful nature of its nuclear program`, said the draft 
ministerial statement. 
NB/AH/210 
End