Iran dismisses speculation on suspension of research on nuclear energy
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Tehran, April 23, IRNA
Iran-Nuclear Program -Asefi
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi on Sunday dismissed the speculation that Iran agreed to suspend research studies on producing nuclear energy.
Asefi made the remark while speaking to domestic and foreign reporters at his weekly press conference.
"Research studies is the national sovereignty right of the Islamic Republic of Iran and will not be overlooked," he said.
Asked whether Iran presented a proposal on suspension of activities during the meeting of the Group 5+1, he added, "This is not the case."
The five veto-wielding permanent UN Security Council members -- United States, Britain, France, China and Russia -- along with Germany held a meeting in Moscow on April 18 to discuss the Iran nuclear issue.
In response to a reporter who asked whether Iran currently uses P2 centrifuges, the spokesman said, "The Islamic Republic of Iran has not used P2 centrifuges yet. It just used P1 centrifuges which was previously reported to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Asked about Russia's nuclear proposal for Iran, he said, "Russian offer is still on the table. Appropriate grounds should be prepared for its implementation.
"No proposal should deprive Iran of its rights. Iran is interested in settlement of its nuclear case through negotiations."
Asefi expressed Iran's readiness to continue with cooperation with the IAEA, saying, "We will continue with our work under the agency's surveillance.
"Iran will not renounce its rights. The country's rights should be recognized."
He stressed, "Iran will not withdraw its right on (uranium) enrichment inside its territory."
On the time of talks between Iran and the United States on Iraq, the spokesman said, "Grounds should be prepared. Nothing has been prepared yet. Iran is not in hurry on this issue."
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