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Asefi: Iran to insist on its stand in ongoing talks with EU

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Feb 13, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi 
stressed here Sunday that Tehran would insist on its stand in talks 
with the EU, stressing that the country will "never abandon its 
legitimate rights." 
Addressing domestic and foreign reporters at his weekly press 
briefing, Asefi said that the Islamic Republic has attained a certain 
degree of capability which is the "result of decades of effort by 
scientists in the exercise of the country`s legitimate right." 
The spokesman made it clear that Tehran does not seek to create 
concerns among world countries regarding its nuclear programs, adding 
that the ultimate proof of the country`s avowed aim in these programs 
is its continuing cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog. 
As for prospects of Iran-EU talks, Asefi said: "We should wait 
and see what would happen during the next round of talks," for which 
an official date or location has not been fixed. 
Asefi expressed the hope that the three joint committees created 
to deal with economic, nuclear and politico-security issues between 
the two sides would be able to make significant progress during their 
next round of talks so that an "acceptable report can be submitted 
that will encourage us to continue our talks." 
According to Asefi, the committees were to round up their work 
by March 10, 2005. 
Asked about comments made by a number of presidential hopefuls 
alluding to a possible resumption of Iran-US relations, Asefi said 
that resumption of ties was "a problem not only concerning Iran but 
also the US." 
The spokesman reiterated that it would be useless to talk about a 
resumption of relations unless "Washington changed its approach 
towards Tehran and took positive steps toward this end." 
Asefi further noted that resumption of Tehran-Washington ties had 
outstanding "elements and roots" which had to be properly threshed 
and, until then, nobody should expect a change in the status quo. 
Asked about a possible visit to Iran of Palestinian leader 
Mahmoud Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen, Asefi said that such visit 
has been demanded by Abu Mazen and therefore placed on the agenda. 
However, he added, no exact date has been set for the visit. 
Referring to India`s decision to begin official negotiations 
for the laying of a pipeline for exports of Iranian natural gas to 
India, Asefi said Tehran "welcomes" New Delhi`s decision. 
He said the decision signifies New Delhi`s determination to 
"strengthen regional cooperation in addition to ensuring stability 
and safety for regional states." 
Asefi said that realization of the pipeline would also effectively
boost south-south cooperation. 
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