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Supreme Leader approves talks on NPT Additional Protocol

IRNA

Tehran, Oct 22, IRNA -- Government spokesman Abdollah Ramezanzadeh 
here on Wednesday said that all the negotiations on signing the 
nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Additional Protocol were 
conducted in line with the views and approval of the Supreme Leader of
the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei. 
Speaking to Iranian and foreign reporters after the weekly cabinet
meeting, he added that the head of the negotiating team was assigned 
by the Supreme Leader. 
Responding to a question on the attitude of the Guardians Council 
to signing the Additional Protocol by Iran, he reiterated, "Given the 
fact that what has been accomplished so far had been approved by the 
highest authority of the land, it is not likely to face any 
difficulty." 
In reply to another question on the likely protest by some groups 
against the acceptance of the protocol, he said diversity of views in 
the community have always existed and are inevitable. 
Asked whether Iran has taken the US chance to take initiatives on 
the issue by giving in to signing the protocol, the official said, "We
presume that the step can lead us towards our objectives in line with 
national interests and sustained relations with the EU." 
Ramezanzadeh noted that the Iranian officials agreed to sign the 
Additional Protocol in accordance to their own understanding and in 
line with the national interests. 
Responding to a correspondent who asked whether political and 
military zones will not undergo inspection, he said, "Our commitments 
are in accordance with NPT and will remain so after signing the 
Additional Protocol. We have even gone beyond the terms of NPT in 
fulfilling our commitments." 
In response to the question whether the future resumption of 
uranium enrichment process for any reason is likely to cause further 
international pressure on Iran, he said that Iran`s decision was taken
in accordance with the requirements of the present time. 
He underlined that Iran will act within the framework of NPT and 
that the country is entitled to access nuclear technology. 
MP/AH/210 
End