Iran rejects any deal on suspending uranium enrichment
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Vienna, March 13, IRNA
Head of Iran Technical-Nuclear group in negotiations with the European Trio Sirous Nasseri said here Saturday that the issue in discussions is not suspension of nuclear enrichment and fuel cycle.
"The US officials are either unaware of the substance of the talks or hallucinating, he said.
On Condoleezza Rice's statements and other related news on incentives broached by the US rather than threats, he added that negotiations with the Europeans on the topic of suspension of Uranium enrichment has given way to forging achievable agreements.
The Europeans have put forth suspension of uranium enrichment in return for some incentives, but in the latest round of talks carried out by head of Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Hassan Rowhani with heads of France and Germany it was evident that only an agreement should be struck that is satisfactory to both sides.
"It seems the Europeans are ready to adopt a logical position," Nasseri underlined.
He said that the fourth round of talks between Iran and EU which were completed in Geneva Friday were "sensitive," "important" and "intense."
"The level of sensitivity was such that both parties specially the Europeans had to consult with their superiors." But, both sides have strived to find a positive and decisive solution.
"If the negotiating trend hits a stumbling block or the pace is slow then we report to our superiors for guidance," Nasseri added.
The fourth round of talks in Geneva due to its coincidence with the end of the third period and the need to report to superiors for decisions was highly important and sensitive.
The results of proceedings in the last three months have to be compiled and presented to the "strategic committee."
The Iranian official referred to the talks as crucial for both sides notably Iran. He also gave a mixed assessment of the talks saying that work in the political-security committee was proceeding satisfactorily, albeit moving forward slowly in the economic-trade committee and facing the toughest hurdles in the technical-nuclear committee.
Up to the start of the strategic meeting, the minimum verifiable nd observable guarantees have to delineated. We regard progress as determining this basis for such a meeting.
The Europeans were adamant during the negotiations that Iran offer alternative solutions for verifiable guarantees of the nature of nuclear activities.
However, Iranian delegation thought that such a one-sided solution is not prudent for Iran and called for devising a way by both sides, Nasseri said.
"Verifiable assurances definitely necessitate a technical solution. But the provisions for its political underpinnings is vital."
It may seem that the recent news report, and specially statements by the US Secretary of State point to a hidden agreement between the US and Europeans. But the latter have rejected such a meeting of minds saying that in their talks with the US they have merely voiced their (European) views, Nasseri stated.
Europeans also believe that the change in Washington's outlook of incentives rather than threats are beneficial for negotiations.
On the New US approach to Iran nuclear file, he added that "we have told the Europeans that the US attitude could be either helpful or an obstacle to progress in the talks."
He also welcomed US altering its single-mindedness and embracing a wiser approach by rejecting a "deal making" attitude towards the Iran-EU.
What is clear in the Iran-EU talks is not predicated on existence of striking a deal on the suspension of uranium enrichment in exchange for getting something in return, the Iranian official underscored.
The issue is how we could verifiably and firmly blot out the concerns of each other so that mutual confidence can grow leading to closer relations.
He also said Americans have misread the situation, reiterating that "Iran is not interested in making deals notably within the framework that the Washington has espoused."
Nasseri said that some recent harsh reactions by the part of some European officials are unhelpful and called for refraining on making such statements.
The European Union believes that current negotiations with Iran on its nuclear programme are "moving in the right direction." EU diplomatic sources told IRNA in Brussels that a document has been prepared by Germany, France and the UK with the support of EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana to inform the 25 EU members on the current state of negotiations with the Islamic Republic.
If Iran fulfills all of its international commitments including full cooperation with the IAEA , the EU thinks the situation could be resolved within the UN nuclear watchdog.
The support the EU has received from its partners, in particular from the US and Russia has increased the prospects of a satisfactory outcome, said the EU sources.
Brussels believes that the best way forward is through dialogue and talks with Tehran.
The document, however, warns that if the Islamic Republic fails to meet its international obligations, the European bloc will support referring Iran's nuclear file to the UNSC.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi said here Saturday correction of some mistakes and removal of a few unjustifiable restrictions will never persuade Iran to give up its legitimate rights.
Talking to IRNA, Asefi made the statement in response to the recent remarks of the US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
He said restrictions on sale of spare parts of non-military jets should not have been imposed on Iran at all.
The ranking official added removal of such restrictions and Iran's joining the World Trade Organization are not incentives for Iran.
Asefi said the US made up false allegations by accusing Iran of trying to gain access to nuclear arms, thus forcing Europe to follow it as well.
However, he said, the transparency of Iran's policies is quite apparent and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed in its reports that the country's nuclear activities are peaceful.
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