• Military

• WMD Menu                           

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Iran's nuclear policy welcomes fair talks: Iranian envoy

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Kuala Lumpur, Jan 17, IRNA
Thailand-Iran-Nuclear policy
"Iran's nuclear policy welcomes negotiations with different sides, including Europe, toward finding a solution that would fairly uphold the Iranian nation's rights." Iranian Ambassador to Thailand Mohsen Pakaeen made the remark in Bangkok on Tuesday while addressing a press conference.

Asked about Iran's reasons for resuming nuclear research, he said, "Iran's resumption of nuclear research is not illegal since the country has the right to pursue nuclear technology as a signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)."
He further said that it is the view of Iranian nuclear engineers and experts that postponement of nuclear projects and research would be detrimental to the country. Thus, it has decided to resume research on nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and this differs from nuclear fuel production," he added.

Responding to a question from Thailand's Independent Television (ITV) on Iran's future nuclear plans, he said, "We will continue our active cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) within the framework of existing regulations and at the same time welcome any negotiations to achieve the legitimate goals of our nation."
He criticized the West for trying to monopolize the domain of nuclear power by restricting the right of other countries to access nuclear technology for peaceful ends.

Pakaeen said that the West's insistence that Iran give up its legal right while keeping its eyes closed to the nuclear arsenals of others was another example of its discriminatory policies.

Besides, he said, "it also turns a blind eye to other signatories to the NPT who do not fulfill their commitments."
The ambassador then pointed to the over 200 nuclear warheads in Israel's nuclear arsenal, and asked, "Why does the West not pressure Israel to sign the NPT and allow the IAEA to apply its nuclear safeguards on all its nuclear facilities?"
Asked what he thought would be Europe's strategy for Iran, he said, "The wisest thing European states can do would be to make a distinction between nuclear research and nuclear fuel production and not to bully Iran to follow their will.

"We are ready to continue talks and remove ambiguities if the three European states (Germany, France and Britain) still are not convinced of the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear activities," he went on to say.

Iran in November 2004 voluntarily suspended uranium enrichment in an effort to convince the world community that its nuclear programs were for peaceful ends.

However, in the wake of an IAEA resolution declaring Iran to be in non-compliance of its obligations under the NPT, it decided on January 9 to resume uranium enrichment.

In fact, a law passed by Majlis (Parliament) makes it obligatory for the government to resume its nuclear activities, and Tehran has said that it will end its cooperation with the IAEA if Iran's nuclear case is referred to the UN Security Council.

On Thailand's stance on the Iran nuclear issue, the envoy said, "Thai officials have always adopted a wise stance and supported all countries in their rights, including Iran's right to nuclear research and to pursue nuclear technology for peaceful ends."
2327/2321/1414