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Iran: Tehran Says It Will Study Nuclear Proposal

PRAGUE, June 3, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said today that "if there is goodwill," a breakthrough is possible in the standoff with the West over Tehran's nuclear program.

The five permanent members of the UN Security Council, plus Germany, on June 1 agreed to offer Iran a package of incentives if it gives up its uranium enrichment, or impose penalties if it does not.

The United States agreed earlier this week to join the EU-led nuclear talks on condition that Iran suspend all uranium enrichment.

'Negotiations Without Preconditions'

Mottaki, however, told reporters in the Iranian capital that any negotiations must be without preconditions: "The issue that should be considered as a main basis, is that the negotiations should be without a precondition, meaning no condition can be accepted for the talks, including the items they brought up such as measures to be taken and so on. As for the proposals, we are waiting for the proposals to be handed to us in the next few days, after we discuss the contents of the proposals and the outcomes of the Vienna meeting, we will announce our opinion."

Mottaki's statement appeared to be more moderate than remarks made on June 1 by Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad. He said Western pressure would not succeed in depriving Iran of its right to nuclear technology.

In Washington, U.S. State Department spokesman Tom Casey told reporters on June 2 that the United States did not consider Ahmadinejad's comments to be a formal response to the package. Casey urged Iran to choose "the path of cooperation" once it has carefully studied the proposal.

"I think before we can consider that there's an Iranian reaction to the package, the package needs to be presented to them. Again, I think if Iran chooses the path of cooperation, if Iran decides to suspend uranium enrichment, come back to talks, negotiate in good faith and move forward on this, then this is something that can be beneficial not only for the rest of the international community but for Iran and for Iran's people as well," Casey said.

Solana Visit

Meanwhile today, Solana's spokeswoman Christina Gallach said EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana is ready to travel at short notice to Iran to present the international proposals. No date has been set for the trip.

Gallach added: "It will not be a negotiating trip. It will be a presentational trip."

Solana is due to travel to the Middle East on June 4 although his official agenda only showed details for his schedule on June 5, when he is due to be in Jerusalem and Ramallah to meet with Israeli and Palestinian officials.

Copyright (c) 2006. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org