Kharrazi discusses Iran`s nuclear programs with counterparts
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
United Nations HQ, New York, Sept 23, IRNA -- Iran`s Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi discussed the latest regional developments and nuclear issues with his French, British and Spanish counterparts here on Thursday. British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, in a meeting with Kharrazi on the sidelines of 59th UN General Assembly session, pointed to bilateral cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency as well as remaining concerns over Iran`s nuclear programs and stressed the need for settlement of remaining issues. "The Islamic Republic has attempted towards confidence-building, ransparency and full cooperation with the IAEA and deeply believes that building confidence is a one way road," Kharrazi said. "Concerns of certain countries should not lead to ignoring Iran`s absolute and legitimate right to have nuclear technology for peaceful use of nuclear energy. "Iran`s concerns should be removed and we believe that the ongoing concerns can be settled through dialogue and cooperation," he added. He stressed that "Iran`s voluntary measures were aimed at building confidence and no one can ask us anything beyond our legal undertakings." In a meeting between Kharrazi and French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier, the two sides discussed mutual relations, the Iraqi crisis and Iran`s nuclear activities. The two ministers reviewed the latest developments in Iraq and stressed the importance of strengthening security in that country. Barnier assessed as important the role Iran plays in regional developments, saying Iran enjoys great potentials for restoration of stability and peace to the region. Pointing to the recent resolution adopted by the IAEA Board of Governors, he stressed the need for continuation of cooperation to remove ongoing concerns. Kharrazi reiterated that Iran has taken measures to build confidence and said, "Ignoring Iran`s absolute right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is a big mistake. Iran insists on safeguarding its rights." He referred to friendly and transparent dialogue and cooperation as a solution to this issue. He said holding elections in Iraq, establishment of a national parliament and permanent government and safeguarding the country`s security by its own forces are the only ways of establishing security. The Iranian minister noted that speedy withdrawal of foreign troops from Iraq would take away any pretext from extremist groups in that country. Meanwhile, Kharrazi and his Spanish counterpart Miguel Angel Moratinos, stressed bolstering of Tehran-Madrid ties in all fields. Moratinos pointed to Iran-IAEA talks and said the confidence-building and transparency trend should be continued which would be possible through talks and cooperation. "Iran is a powerful country which cannot be deprived of its absolute rights," Kharrazi said. He urged Europe to keep its promises with an aim of building confidence. In a meeting between Kharrazi and his Algerian counterpart Abdelaziz Belkhadem, the two sides termed bilateral relations as very positive and growing and stressed bolstering of cooperation and ties in all fields as well as utilizing the two countries` potentials. Belkhadem, voiced willingness of the Algerian government and nation to host President Mohammad Khatami in Algiers. The two ministers stressed solidarity of the Islamic world and the effective role the Islamic states play in international developments and in promoting world peace and security. U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan`s special representative to Iraq, Ashraf Qazi, in a meeting with Kharrazi, outlined the stance of the United Nations and its programs in Iraq and termed exchange of views with Iran on Iraqi developments as very valuable and effective. 2327/1412
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