Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Iran strongly insists on national nuclear program, Larijani

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, March 14, IRNA
Iran-Nuclear-Larijani
Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Larijani on Wednesday bitterly criticized the Security Council interference in Iranian nuclear program when Iran upheld Non-Proliferation Treaty and Safeguards Agreement of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

"Engagement of the Security Council in Iranian nuclear program is somewhat "bad temper" being exercised vis-a-vis the great Iranian nation.

"Iran stands firm to get its legitimate rights," Larijani told reporters.

He said the miscalculation they are making will harm themselves, adding that if they go ahead with negotiation, Iran is ready to do the same, but, if they change the course with resort to language of force, Iran's response would also be stronger.

A reporter asked Larijani about Iranian reaction to possible US attack on Iran, he said that in case of military action, the Iranian response will absolutely be reciprocal.

"There is no doubt that any military action would have military response."

Asked about the delay in commissioning Bushehr power plant, he said there is no doubt that Russia has made delay in completion of the project and the Russian government should resolve the issue to pave the way for mutual business cooperation in the future.

Responding to a question about Russian officials call on Iran to suspend uranium enrichment and that they made statement similar to that of the western countries, Larijani said that Russian officials respect Iranian right to produce nuclear energy and never made such a statement.

"If they call for uranium enrichment suspension it may be a tactical gesture."
1430/1416