Asefi says Iran signed NPT to enjoy advantages
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Tehran, May 22, IRNA
Iran-Asefi-NPT
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi said here Sunday the country has signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to enjoy its advantages.
Addressing domestic and foreign reporters, the spokesman said it is not legally accepted that Iran as a signatory of the NPT is entitled to recognize the treaty's limitations but does not enjoy its benefits.
He added Wednesday's meeting with foreign ministers of the three European states, Britain, Germany, and France, in Geneva will determine whether Iran will reach an agreement with Europe or not.
"The Europeans will sustain more damage than us if talks bear no result and Iran's case is taken to the UN Security Council.
"Europeans know if the negotiations result in no outcome, the case will turn into a crisis they cannot manage any longer and the Islamic Republic will act on its own decision," warned the ranking official.
Asked about Russia's proposal on joint enrichment with Iran, Asefi said, "Iran has not offered any proposal to Russia, but the Russians initiated such a suggestion along with different ideas.
"The proposal has called for enrichment in Russia by the time nuclear facilities in Iran's Natanz become operational."
He, however, said Iran will discuss the issue during Wednesday's negotiations, stressing, "We will never give up our rights and Natanz facilities."
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::IRNA No.018 22/05/2005 13:07 --End
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