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Asefi: Iran not willing to procure time

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, June 25, IRNA
Iran-Asefi-Proposal
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi said here Sunday that Iran does not intend to procure time.

Speaking to domestic and foreign media in this week's briefing session, he said that just two weeks have passed since Europe's proposal was submitted to Iran.

"Besides, given that Europeans themselves have said that their offered package of incentives is comprehensive and attractive, it takes time to assess its various dimensions and respond to Europe.

In response to a question whether Iran will ignore the deadline set for it to respond to the received proposal before the D8 summit, he said that no such offer has been received and dismissed associating the issue with the summit.

"Procuring time is not on our agenda. Several committees are working on Europe's proposal and whenever we come up with a decision it will be declared," he added.

Concerning the time Iran's response is expected to be declared, Asefi said that no exact date has been specified, rather it has been said that it will be declared within the second month of summer.

"Iran does not wish to make a rush decision. This should be appreciated by Europe, given that Iran intends to pursue the matter accurately, examine it thoroughly and respond properly," he added.

Asefi hoped that the paths selected to hold talks with other parties will not be overlooked.

Replying to another question about Iran's response to the received proposal he said, "We will decide based on our national interests.

"There are two sides to this equation. One is Europe's approach and the other is Iran's interests. We should attempt to bridge the two sides."
Stressing that Iran will not sacrifice its national interests for anything, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said that at the same time, efforts will be made to eliminate the cause for Europe's anxieties over the issue through the response to be given to the West.

"One thing is definite. All the future measures by Iran and and its response will center on its national interests and the public will," he added.

About the way Iran can put an end to their concerns, Asefi said that given they are worried that Iran may develop nuclear weapons, we are prepared to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency, which has inspected the country's nuclear installations 2,000 times.

"Such anxiety has been brought up not by Europe, but only a few European countries have such concerns. After all, is Iran the only country having such a situation? There are 46 other states of similar status, which are not mentioned at all.

"Even many European countries have a similar condition. Why should they lose their confidence in Iran, when 46 countries have a similar status?
"If Iran's nuclear issue is not political, but a legal question, it will be possible to end the worries of the parties involved in the case and find a solution," said Asefi.

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