Asefi: Iran closely cooperating with UN nuclear watchdog
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Tehran, April 9, IRNA
Iran-Asefi-Nuclear
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi, addressing foreign and domestic reporters here Sunday said that Iran has extensive and close cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
On the date of the visit of the IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei to Iran, he said that up to the minute, he is expected in Tehran by the end of the week and that it is taking place based on a mutual agreement.
Turning to Iran's collaboration with the agency, he noted that during his stay in Tehran, this will be the main subject of discussion.
Stressing that all nuclear activities in Iran are conducted under the supervision of the UN nuclear watchdog, he noted that the agency inspectors are currently in Iran proceeding with their normal technical inspection.
"These inspections had been planned earlier and the inspectors will continue their tasks for a few more days.
"Meanwhile, no deviation from peaceful purposes has been reported by ElBaradei," he added.
In response to a question about continuing talks on the country's nuclear dossier, he said "we are still prepared for such talks with various states.
"We are determined to pursue our nuclear talks with European and non-European countries as well as Russia."
About the statement issued by the UN Security Council (UNSC) on suspension of Iran's nuclear research, he said that it is impossible to convince Iran to yield its legitimate right through force and pressure.
"Iran is attempting to restore its relevant rights and it is entitled to research," he added.
He referred to the current suspension of Iran's nuclear dossier between the IAEA and UNSC and said that it should return to where it belongs, namely the agency.
Asefi stressed that it is not possible to deprive Iran of its right by resorting to threat and pressure against the UNSC, adding that this will be discussed with ElBaradei during his stay in Tehran.
Concerning Iran's red line in case of its nuclear dossier, he said, "Our red line in this regard is our rights."
Saying that Iran does not welcome reporting of its dossier to the UNSC, he said that the country's red line is not being reported to the Security Council.
"If they presume that reporting the dossier to the UNSC will make Iran yield its right, they are wrong. Iran will not surrender such a right through sanction and pressure," he added.
Asefi referred to the sanctions imposed against Iran over the past 20 years and said despite the associated difficulties, they accelerated the nation's growing trend of industrial and economic development.
He mentioned the recent wargame of Iran's armed forces in the Persian Gulf as an obvious example of such progress.
Expressing regret over the recent insecurities in Iraq and the blasts in a historical mosque, he called on UNESCO to do something in this regard.
Asefi said that occurrence of such crimes in Iraq has to do with the US incorrect policies on Iraq.
He pointed to the criminal and terrorist acts of the Zionist regime in Palestine and said that such crimes are carried out with a US green light.
About disruption of the aid earlier granted to the Palestinian government by the US and Europe, he said that this has made the Zionist regime more impudent.
In reply to a question whether Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki will attend Iraq's neighboring countries foreign ministers meeting in Egypt, he noted that such a visit has not been planned.
Asked whether Iran has injected gas to the chain of 164 centrifuges in Natanz, he responded that technical research on the issue is currently underway and the outcome will be declared after its completion.
He added that the relevant activities are being watched by the cameras of the UN nuclear watchdog's inspectors.
On the possible compromise talks between Iran and Europe prior to the UNSC 30-day deadline, he said "once our rights to access nuclear technology and research is officially recognized by European states, such compromise will take place."
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