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Iran's uranium enrichment decision irreversible: Soltaniyeh

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Berlin, April 7, IRNA
Iran-Soltaniyeh-Nuclear
Iran has resumed uranium enrichment for research purposes and this decision is irreversible, a senior Iranian nuclear official said on Thursday.

Iran's Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Ali-Asghar Soltaniyeh, made the remark in an interview with Germany's `Stern' periodical.

"The Iranian government will show reaction if the UN Security Council makes decisions which will threaten Iran's security and national interests.

"Several Iranian officials including MPs ask whether Iran should pull out of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) or not.

"This is while India and Israel have not signed the NPT and were not punished for this measure. Although Iran signed the treaty, it is directed by criticism," Soltaniyeh said.

Asked about measures Iran would adopt to remove tension, he added, "There is still the opportunity the UN Security Council will return Iran's nuclear case to the IAEA. In that case, ways will open for next talks which will concentrate on all concerns of Europe and others.

"We halted any uranium enrichment work for three years without receiving any concession in return. We proposed the Europeans we will conduct all uranium enrichment activities under the IAEA supervision and are ready to continue talks on industrial-scale enrichment." In response to a question on reasons behind Iran's refusal to accept Russia's nuclear offer to import nuclear fuel from Moscow, the Iranian official said, "We agree with the proposal in general but its technical and legal details should be clarified.

"Iran's right to conduct uranium enrichment should be accepted.

Meanwhile, no offer has been yet presented which will guarantee regular and constant delivery of atomic fuel.

"Nuclear power plant is a giant investment. We should receive atomic fuel safely if we are supposed to suspend uranium enrichment." Asked about Iran's lack of confidence to Russia, Soltaniyeh said, "We have been repeatedly abandoned. For example, Germany abandoned us and left Iran although Bushehr power plant was not completed.

"Russia has promised to deliver atomic fuel to Iran just for one year. We need a guarantee on atomic fuel delivery for full-time activity of the power plant."
He pointed to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's remark while addressing the UN General Assembly last year and said, "Iran is ready to cooperate with foreign private and state companies to guarantee that its nuclear activities are merely peaceful."
Soltaniyeh added, "The US officials should comprehend certain issues. Iran is not Iraq. The IAEA inspectors found no document proving Iran uses nuclear technology for military purposes.

"Double-standard policies adopted by the United States have not been welcomed by the Islamic world and Europe.

"Iran has had a strong stance on nuclear case and will continue it in the future. We have worked on our atomic program for 25 years and cannot leave it easily."
Asked about President Ahmadinejad's statement who has stressed that Israel should be wiped out of the world map, the official stated, "Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei determines Iran's policies. Ayatollah Khamenei said some two years ago that if Jews, Muslims and Christians would gather and choose a democratic government, Iran would respect it.

"We are against the behavior of the Zionists. We are not against the Jews," the Iranian diplomat concluded.

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