Iran's patience running out over nuclear issue
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-12-05 11:02

IRAN WANTS RIGHTS RESPECTED

But Larijani, while insisting that no such proposal has been made to Iran, said Tehran would not forego its right as a signatory of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to develop its own nuclear fuel activities for peaceful purposes.

"We welcome any plan under which Iran's right to enrich uranium on its soil is respected," he said.

"Our nation has every right to enjoy the same rights that other IAEA members enjoy. We demand the same rights," he added.

Despite the apparent impasse over enrichment, Larijani said he was "not negative" about the upcoming talks.

"I see talks with the EU as a win-win game," he said. "Winning for Iran means having uranium enrichment for nuclear fuel and winning for the European Union means being assured that ... our nuclear programme will not become a weapons programme.

"A formula can be found to make both sides happy and satisfied," he said, reiterating Iran's offer to allow foreign companies to participate at Natanz.

But he urged the EU to drop threats to refer Iran to the Security Council for possible sanctions.

"Talks under threat are meaningless," he said.

"They should put aside slogans and stop threatening us with the Security Council ... (Threatening to send Iran to) the council is a useless method now. Now it is time to solve the problem logically."

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