Iran`s request that 29 centrifuges be exempt from the nuclear freeze do not violate past commitments, says Kharrazi
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Tehran, Nov 27, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi stressed that Iran`s request that 20 centrifuges be allowed to continue operating does not contradict the commitments it made during talks on its nuclear programs. Talking to press and media people during a third gathering on the "Islamic world and Japan" here Saturday, he said that its nuclear research activities have never been objected to. In response to a question on whether it has been asked by European countries to give a written promise it would suspend activities on 20 of its centrifuges, he said there have been no talks of the kind during the past two days of negotiations in Vienna. On the other hand, he said that Iran has sent a letter to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) asking that 20 of its centrifuges be exempted from its commitment to suspend uranium enrichment. He said these centrigues are being used for research purposes and are under IAEA supervision. Kharrazi described as "baseless and untrue" reports that Iran had sent a letter to the IAEA director-general withdrawing its request for the exemption. Asked by a reporter whether he believed the European trio would comply faithfully with their commitments made during the Paris negotiations earlier this month, Kharrazi said that notwithstanding amendments made to the proposed Vienna resolution there were still some points which Iran rejected because they contradict the tenor of the Paris agreement. Kharrazi believes the draft resolution prepared by the Europeans fails to facilitate confidence building, and suggested that the Europeans pursue a path that would build confidence. Kharrazi said no one can ever force Iran into accepting measures that it believes it should take on its free will. 1424/2321/1432
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