Iran says ball in European court on Nuclear issue
Iran-UN, Politics, 7/17/2006

Russia's President Vladimir Putin said today in a press conference in St. Petersburg that it is too early to speak about the introduction of sanctions against Iran.

He recalled his personal meeting with the Iranian president at a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Shanghai during which Ahmadinejad promised to give an answer within a month to the proposals of the six mediators. "The month has passed but there is no answer still," said Putin. "Now we hear another date - the talks will be launched in early August," he added.

Itar-Tass quoted the Russian president as saying that, in this situation it would be incorrect to impose sanctions. This attitude may create new problems, Putin said.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi said yesterday that Iran expects Russia and China to defend its inalienable nuclear rights. Asefi made the remark when asked about stance of Moscow and Beijing on Iran's nuclear case.

"Support for Iran's rights, is a support for international organizations and treaties. It is support for the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and international regulations and strategies and not merely support for Iran.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran relies on God, the national support and use of its own potentials."

Asked about remark by Russian President Vladimir Putin in a joint press conference with his US counterpart George W Bush Saturday on Iran's nuclear case, he added, "Putin's remark should be regarded as comprehensive. He announced Russia does not agree to imposition of sanctions against Iran."

In response to a question on threats against Iran to give its hasty response to a package of incentives offered by the world six powers (Group 5+1) to Iran on its nuclear case, the spokesman said, "We believe an inappropriate literature will not be effective."

On June 6, Iran was offered a package of incentives by the promoted by the US, and some EU members through EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana in exchange for suspension of uranium enrichment and resumption of talks to settle the dispute over its nuclear program.

"Various committees are working on the proposed package. Iran will give its response by the time the committees reach a conclusion. "Europe should appreciate Iran for its studying the package with precision. "The committees will not end their work uncompleted as a result of threats and pressure."

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi yesterday said that time has been ripe for Iran and Europe to enter into detailed talks on a package of incentives offered to Iran. Referring to two rounds of talks recently held between Iraqn's Secretary of Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani and Solana, he said, "The two sides stressed that negotiations were a right path in principle and that both sides could reach a result through this way.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran also stressed that threatening actions will not be effective. During the talks, Iran announced that it regards the proposed package as an appropriate and acceptable base for continuation of work (on Iran's nuclear standoff).

"But the package should be modified. The two sides should achieve their goals through negotiations." The spokesman added "Currently, we are not in a position to speak about acceptance or rejection of the package. Serious talks can be constructive in this respect."

He said the proposed package had different aspects, adding, "The two sides should build confidence. It is now a matter of question whether the two sides believe in a long-term and strategic work." Asefi referred to the talks between Larijani and Solana, saying "Larijani has stressed that referral of Iran's nuclear case to the UN Security Council will be tantamount to blocking and rejection of talks."

He said, "Negotiations will get out of its natural course through referral of the case to the Security Council." He added "The proposed package is open now. Larijani, in his meeting with Solana, raised Iran's views on the ambiguities of the package.

"It is natural, the ball is now in Europe's court. Iran has expressed its stance and viewpoints with respect to different issues." Asked about setting preconditions in nuclear talks, he said, "We think setting preconditions will limit talks. The Islamic Republic of Iran has favored talks with no preconditions from the beginning."

In what maybe an embarrassing disclosure to the Europeans, and confirming Iran's statements about the presence of ambiguities in the package, he said the European sides has called on Iran not to disclose content of the package, adding, "We respect their request. Currently, the package is open and experts can study it." He added that the European side informed the press of the package, stressing "This confirms Iran's claims about (existence of ambiguities).. We confirm what the press said about content of the package."

Previous Stories:
  Ahmadi-Nejad: US, West unable to pose slightest threat against Iran   (7/15/2006)
  Ahmadi-Nejad: Iran would quit Nuclear Treaty if rights not protected   (7/15/2006)
  Larijani arrives in Saudi Arabia   (7/15/2006)
  Putin warns against stepping up pressure on Iran over nuclear program   (7/14/2006)

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