Iran not after nuclear weapons: Moussavian
Moscow, April 20, IRNA
Russia-Iran-Moussavian
Iran has no intention to get access to nuclear weapons while it will use all its inalienable and absolute rights, Head of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Hossein Moussavian said here Tuesday.
Addressing a press conference, Moussavian added Iran's legal right on peaceful use of nuclear energy has been officially guaranteed in the Paris Agreement.
"Iran is quite ready to cooperate with all international organizations within the framework of international regulations to this effect," he stated.
He stressed Iran and Russia hold regular high-level consultations on bilateral cooperation and regional and international developments relating to the two countries' security, adding the two sides' consultations would be very effective in peaceful settlement of the nuclear crisis.
The official assessed as very constructive and useful the outcome of his talks with the Russian foreign minister and secretary of the National Security Council as well as other senior officials on nuclear cooperation, developments in Afghanistan, Central Asia, Caucasus, Caspian Sea, fight against weapons of mass destruction, campaign against international terrorism, and the organized crimes.
"Russia is Iran's most important partner in the fields of nuclear technology. It is natural that a peaceful settlement of Iran's nuclear issues can boost bilateral cooperation on nuke energy," Moussavian said.
He noted that based on agreements reached between Iran and the EU big trio (Germany, France, and Britain) in 2003 and 2004, Iran was obliged to render confidence-building cooperation while the EU was committed to support Iran in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the country's bid for membership at the World Trade Organization (WTO) but the United States opposed that issue.
He expressed hope that Iran's membership at the WTO would be accepted during future talks between Iran and the European Union.
The Paris Agreement also stressed fuel cycle should not be used for access to nuclear weapons, said the Iranian official, adding to this, it was proposed that three political and security, technical and cooperation, and nuclear working groups would be set up for a three-month period.
The steering committee was set up after three months but it achieved no eye-catching progress although the negotiators agreed to continue serious talks to obtain effective guarantees, he further mentioned.
He pointed to "unfounded and biased concerns of the United States" and said Iran cooperates with the IAEA.
"In recent talks, the Russian officials once again stressed Iran's legal right on peaceful use of nuclear energy.
"Russia is against international discrimination on Iran's nuclear program and activities. This country proposes confidence-building on fuel cycle."
Moussavian reiterated that "Iran's policy on cooperation with the European states and the international organizations proved unfounded the accusations (against Iran).
"The International Atomic Energy Agency officially announced there is no activity in Iran leading to manufacturing of nuclear weapons.
"Our political will will be based on use of our inalienable right and confidence-building (measures). Tehran adopted all necessary measures to build confidence.
"Iran suspended uranium enrichment... There is no doubt in Iran's transparent cooperation with the international community." The nuclear official called for elimination of Israel's weapons of mass destruction and said if the United States were not the Zionist regime's partner, it would put the regime under pressure to destruct its arsenal and free the Middle East from such weapons.
He also said that Russian President Vladimir Putin would pay an official visit to Iran in the near future.
"Talks between Tehran and Moscow are currently underway to prepare grounds for (Putin)'s visit so appropriate ways will be paved for expansion of the two countries' ties in nuclear technology as well as technical and economic fields."
Moussavian arrived here on Monday to hold talks with senior Russian officials. He will leave Moscow for Tehran on Tuesday.
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::IRNA No.012 20/04/2005 11:38 --End
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