FM stresses Iran's right to peaceful nuclear energy
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Tokyo, March 1, IRNA
Japan-FM-Nuclear
Visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki here Wednesday stressed Iran's right to pursue nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
Mottaki's remarks were part of a speech he delivered at the Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA).
He arrived here Monday morning for a three-day official visit.
"Countries that have used nuclear weapons in the past should be the first to take confidence-building measures. Confidence building requires creation of a balance between rights and duties," he said.
Pointing to bilateral relations between Tehran and Tokyo, he said the two sides "have always enjoyed very good relations."
"Iran, which supplies some 15 percent of Japan's oil, is linked to the country's economy," he added.
He urged Japan not to let any third country come in the way of Tehran-Tokyo ties.
The Iranian minister, referring to the ongoing nuclear talks between Tehran and Moscow, said: "The two sides reached an agreement in principle but talks are continuing on details of the (Russian) proposal."
He said the "place of enrichment and time period" are two important points that should be ironed out.
"If Iran does accept Moscow's proposal on enrichment inside Russian territory, it will ask that the enrichment be for only a short period."
Shifting to developments in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan, Mottaki said the "governments of these states are currently faced with two challenges -- the continuing terrorism and occupation."
"The two issues should be addressed simultaneously and settled in one package," he said.
"Establishment of security and the fight against terrorism should be dealt with locally."
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