Rowhani leaves Pretoria, says Europe should respect Iran's right to peaceful nuclear technology
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Pretoria, July 28, IRNA
Iran-Rowhani-Nuclear
Iran Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Secretary General Hassan Rowhani and the head Iran's nuclear negotiating team with Europe who was on a visit to South Africa, wrapped up his trip Wednesday afternoon and returned to Tehran.
Rowhani discussed the latest development on Iran nuclear dossier with South African president Thaho Mbeki on Tuesday.
The Iranian ambassador in Pretoria, members of Iranian negotiating team with the European Trio of France, Germany and Britain were also present in the meeting.
Mbeki stressed the legitimate rights of a member nation of Non-Proliferation-Treaty (NPT) to use peaceful nuclear technology.
Also, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in a meeting with Rowhani on Tuesday called on the international community to respect Iran's right to use nuclear energy.
Badawi, who is currently in South Africa on an official visit, assessed Iran's nuclear policy as "wise."
He called for continuation of cooperation between Iran and Europe on the country's nuclear case.
He said Iran's policy of signing the Additional Protocol to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and issuing necessary permission for inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency to visit its nuclear sites were the best ways to build confidence concerning its peaceful nuclear activities.
Speaking to IRNA, Rowhani said that Tehran is awaiting Europe's proposals for closing the file on Iran's nuclear program.
Rowhani also cautioned that "if the offer is not accepted by Iran then we may face new circumstances."
Tehran has sounded-off its minimum expectations to the Europeans and in return hopes that they will also opt for a decision, given the existing conditions, which will not jeopardize the efforts expended by the two sides, he added.
The two side more than ever need cooperation in economic, political and security spheres at bilateral, regional and
international levels, he said.
Rowhani said that most of this cooperation is predicated on respect shown by the Europeans to Iran's legitimate rights. Tehran will not bargain on its rights in using full nuclear fuel cycle, he retorted.
The outgoing President Mohammad Khatami said here Wednesday Iran reserves the right to enrich uranium but does not plan to resume it right now.
Khatami, who was talking in his last press conference, made the statement in response to a question about the enrichment resumption, saying negotiations will continue.
He expressed hope the country will some day enrich uranium, which is the country's sovereign right.
"Ongoing discussion revolves on activities of Isfahan Uranium Conversion Facility (UCF), where uranium is not enriched," noted Khatami.
The president stressed that access to peaceful nuclear energy and fuel cycle is an inalienable right Tehran will never renounce.
The international body has officially announced that Iran has been fully committed to its peaceful nuclear plan and has not pursued military purposes, boasted the president.
Shifting to the Europeans' awaited proposal on Iran's nuclear program, Khatami said, "We expected the Europeans to take action earlier. They have to offer their comprehensive plan by early August.
"Iran will reject the Europeans' proposal if the freeze of enrichment is included."
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::IRNA No.003 28/07/2005 00:47 --End
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