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Iran will never move towards getting access to nuclear weapons: Khatami

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Sept 21, IRNA -- President Mohammad Khatami here Tuesday said,
"Whether under supervision or not, Iran will never move towards 
getting access to nuclear weapons". 
Addressing an annual ceremony to mark the beginning of Iran`s 
Sacred Defense Week (the anniversary of the start of the Iraqi 
imposed war against Iran, 1980-1988), held at the mausoleum of the 
Founder of the Islamic Republic, the late Imam Khomeini, the president
said Tehran believes that nuclear weapons are a threat to the entire 
globe and the humanity. 
"We decisively announce that getting access to developed 
technology and moving in line with progress and development are our 
legitimate rights," he added. 
"However, we are ready to cooperate. We have selected our way and 
now this is others` turn to choose and recognize our legitimate 
rights," the president said, urging "others" to pave the way for 
cooperation. 
By accepting the all-out international supervision, "we announce 
that we are not moving towards having nuclear weapons, he said, adding
"but we continue legal ways to get access to peaceful nuclear 
technology." 
"Anyhow, we continue our way although it may lead to cessation of 
international supervision and cooperation," Khatami reiterated. 
He further referred to the Islamic Republic as the vanguard of 
combatting against weapons of mass destruction as well as chemical, 
biological and nuclear weapons. 
Criticizing the nuclear activities of the Zionist regime which is 
aimed at promotion of weapons of mass destruction, he stressed that 
Israel has turned its territory to an arsenal of chemical, biological 
and nuclear weapons. 
The existence of the Zionist regime is a threat to the entire 
globe, he said, adding that Israel has turned to a center for 
production of nuclear and destructive weapons. 
Khatami once again emphasized that Tehran, in its way to getting 
access to peaceful nuclear technology, is ready for any kind of 
cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Iran`s
nuclear activities will continue under the supervision of 
international bodies, he added. 
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