• Military

• WMD Menu                           

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

• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Larijani underscores Iran's right to peaceful nuclear technology

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Vienna, March 5, IRNA
Iran-IAEA-Larijani
Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) said here Saturday that Iran became a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to gain access to peaceful nuclear technology.

In an exclusive interview appeared in the Internet site of Austrian daily 'Kurier', Ali Larijani said it is surprising that the nuclear watchdog agency has decided to send Iran's case to the UN Security Council only because of the country's research activities.

Although Iran is a member of IAEA, it is not allowed to do anything, he said adding that in this case, Tehran prefers to leave the IAEA.

Answering a question on whether Iran is interested in following the India and Pakistan approach to nuclear activities, the chief Iranian nuclear negotiator said those two countries were pursuing production of nuclear weapons, but the Islamic Republic of Iran has no such intention.

"In our strategic and security policies, production of nuclear weapons, which endanger global peace, have no place," he reiterated.

"Is Iran afraid of any possible sanction or will the country retaliate by imposing an oil embargo in case of possible sanctions?" Larijani was asked by a reporter.

In response, he said, "We have been living with sanctions for the past 27 years. The regional situation is such that sanctions do not leave the effects that the US desires, but others will also face problems as a result of the sanctions."
The reporter asked Larijani that whom he meant by others, and he answered, "I mean all countries. If oil prices go up, the Europe will also be hit by the consequences."
On US-India recent nuclear pact, Larijani said, "We are a friend of India and will not oppose it."
The problem lies with the US attitude in similar situations, he said adding that the US signs an agreement with a country which produces nuclear weapons and opposes the other which acquires nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

"There is anarchy in the international laws," Larijani emphasized.

As to Iran-EU Friday meeting in Vienna, he said, Tehran will carry out its responsibilities on the basis of the IAEA rules.

"We have always announced that we are ready to negotiate with all countries and the IAEA inspectors can monitor our nuclear activities," he underscored.

"In talks with the European foreign ministers, we were at odds on only one issue, that was suspension of research-related activities," Larijani added.

Larijani wrapped up his three-day visit to Moscow and Vienna and arrived home early Saturday morning.

In Vienna, Larijani conferred with the EU3 representatives and the UN nuclear watchdog chief Mohamed ElBaradei.

Upon arrival at Mehrabad International Airport, Larijani told reporters that Iran maintains its nation's right in the area of nuclear research and development and will not give in to any intimidation.

He underscored that efforts are made to resolve Iran's nuclear case through confidence-building measures and preserving Iran's right, while certain countries, including the US, are attempting to create obstacles in that regard.

By exerting pressures, Washington is trying to refer Iran's nuclear case to the UN Security Council as soon as possible, he said reiterating that the US is also making practical efforts to pave the way for failure of the Russian proposal.

2324/1422