Asefi: No prospect of talks with US on Iran's agenda
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Tehran, March 8, IRNA
Iran-Asefi-Nuclear
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi said here Wednesday that one has to wait and see how the talks on Iran's nuclear dossier will proceed Wednesday and Thursday.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of Majlis open session, in response to a question about the possibility of Iran-US talks on the nuclear issue, he said that the prospect of such negotiation is not on Iran's agenda.
Replying to another question about the Russian proposed plan, he noted that it can be implemented once favorable grounds are prepared.
He added that obviously if the country's nuclear case is reported to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the atmosphere will become unsuitable for implementing such projects.
"If the dossier is reported to the UNSC, while there is no legal and technical justification for such a move, Russia's proposal to Iran will naturally be removed from the agenda for political reasons and will make no sense," he added.
Asked whether removal of Russia's enrichment proposal from the agenda in case Iran's dossier is reported to the Security Council is a threat by Iran, Asefi replied that Iran has never resorted to the strategy of threat.
"Rather the issue of importance to us is the restoration of our own rights. We neither intend to bargain nor play a game to make one side win and the other lose.
"Since the very beginning we have insisted upon our rights. The people call for the same thing and will continue the path," he added.
About his prediction on the nuclear dossier, he said that it is quite hard to predict the outcome in a political atmosphere.
"If the dossier were to be examined in a technical and legal atmosphere, it would have remained on the agenda of the agency. We too are prepared to cooperate with the IAEA.
"Anything may happen if the atmosphere in which the case is assessed is politicized and the dossier may be removed from the UN nuclear watchdog's agenda," he added.
In response to a question whether Russia may set preconditions if the dossier is not reported to the UNSC, he said that these are just speculations made by the media, adding that one should rather wait and see to which direction the talks will be oriented.
As Iran's last message to the West, Asefi said the Westerners believe that Iran will surrender its rights under threat and violence, but that they are absolutely mistaken.
"We believe that the case can be solved through talks. We have so far displayed good will. We have been talking to the three European states in the past days and will continue the talks in case there is a need.
"If the West presumes that creating crisis will make Iran yield, the other parties involved in the case will be the first to suffer the consequent damage.
"Once we succeed in making achievements in our research and development and our relevant rights are respected, we will be ready to discuss other issues with the IAEA and other parties to seek a solution.
"According to various opinion polls, 80-90 percent of people are in favor of nuclear activities and this has become a `national ideal'. Does anyone wish to surrender his rights?" he asked.
The spokesman noted that under the impression of the Zionist lobby, some circles attempt to create a poisonous atmosphere to make Iran yield, adding that during the negotiations Iran announced that it will not surrender its rights.
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