Rowhani, Lavrov stress Iran`s right to use peaceful nuclear technology
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Tehran, Oct 10, IRNA - Secretary General of Iran Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), Hassan Rowhani in a meeting with the visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed his condolences to the families of the recent terrorism incidents in Russia. "Terrorism is a world-wide menace," Rowhani said calling for comprehensive fight for its eradication. On Iran-Russia relations, he said that defensive cooperation, expansion of economic ties, completion of Bushehr nuclear powerplant, collaboration in Caucuses, Central Asia, and Caspian sea, as well as cooperation in other regional crisis including Iraq an Afghanistan are issues that figure prominently in the long-term and strategic ties between Tehran and Moscow. Suspension of uranium enrichment is Iran`s voluntary decision and is aimed at forging confidence. "Uranium enrichment is Iran`s legitimate right within the framework of international regulations and Iran has the right to use peaceful nuclear technology." He then referred to the cooperation between Iran and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), resolution of laser-based uranium enrichment, uranium processing, progress achieved in contamination and the P2 issue as token of steps carried out to address international concerns over Iran`s nuclear activities. "It is evident today that Iran has not diverted over peaceful use of lear activities." Implementation of the temporary and volunteer freeze of uranium enrichment and signing of the additional protocol are among the most important proof regarding Tehran peaceful intentions, Rowhani underlined. "If the west wants to deprive Iran`s from its legitimate rights here are no reason for Iran to adhere to the protocol." The additional protocol in international regulations aims to build confidence. "We regard confidence building as positive but conditional upon acknowledgment of Iran`s legal and legitimate rights and on pledges of cooperation," Rowhani stated. "If peaceful technology for use in nuclear cycle is respected, then Iran will abide by the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and Additional protocol," Rowhani added. The leader of Islamic revolution`s statements on the issue has created international trust, and Tehran in addition to respecting its ledges on international agreements is also principally committed to the issue. "Nuclear capability is Iran`s national honor and no government can turn a blind eye over this issue." Not only Iran is a victim of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), but has not waged aggression on any country in the past 25 years, he added. Lavrov also said, in the 2.5 hour meeting, that Moscow has comprehensive plans for bolstering economic and political ties with Iran. He alluded to the need to hold the joint Iran-Russia economic commission in the near future as away to expand industrial and trade relations and to participate in the bilateral and regional ventures. He further referred to the expediting the completion of Bushehr nuclear powerplant saying "spent nuclear fuel agreement will be signed soon." "Moscow will not let the strong mutual bonds be rattled by outside pressures." The Russian foreign minister said Moscow supports Iran cooperation th the IAEA and acknowledges the inalienable and incontrovertible rights of Iran in using nuclear technology. He further called for meeting Iran`s nuclear interests coupled with Tehran`s efforts to build confidence and stressed on importance of Iran`s role in regional and international issues. Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart Kamal Kharrazi here Sunday announced that the two countries are finalizing the deal on providing Iran with nuclear fuel by Russia and the return of the spent fuel from Bushehr nuclear power plant. Speaking at a joint press conference at Iran`s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two ministers hoped that Bushehr nuclear power station would become operational shortly. Addressing reporters, Kharrazi expressed satisfaction with nuclear cooperation between the two countries and referred to Bushehr nuclear power station as an example. He said that the contract on nuclear fuel is subject to some changes at the final stage. On providing Iran with nuclear fuel in return for suspension of its uranium enrichment process, he said, "It is not a question of quitting the fuel recycling process. Rather the main point is that if Iran receives a constructive proposal in line with its rights which will put an end to the concerns of the Western states, it will be prepared to consider it. For his part, Lavrov said that there is no difference of opinion between the two countries over Bushehr power station project. In response to a question whether Russia is under pressure by the US for its cooperation with Iran on the project, he said that it has never been pressurized to this end. "The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called on Iran to continue its voluntary suspension of uranium enrichment. As President Vladimir Putin has said it is in the country`s interest to respond to the call positively," he added. Asked whether Russia will use its right of veto in case Iran`s nuclear dossier is sent to the UN Security Council, Lavrov said, "We should first examine Iran`s relations with the nuclear watchdog and the report of IAEA chief Muhamed ElBaradei before proceeding." 2324/1432
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