Enrichment at industrial level on agenda of Iran's nuclear program: Larijani
Iran-UN, Politics, 8/16/2006

Iran has indicated the importance of making its own nuclear fuel and not buying it from the outside or being dependent on foreign sources for this critical fuel supply.

This comes following recent moves highlighting the growing importance of nuclear energy, where the US started deals with India, and other countries in this regard.

Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani yesterday said that uranium enrichment at industrial level was on the agenda of Iran's nuclear program.

He spoke to reporters after meeting with Deputy Chinese Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai, who came to Iran to make a last minute effort to secure a negotiated solution to the nuclear dispute.

As a member of the UNSC, China has repeatedly urged a diplomatic solution to the dispute.

"Iran has a transparent and documented program and has informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of this program," Iran's top nuclear negotiator said.

Stressing that Tehran would not go beyond its legitimate right under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in developing nuclear fuel, Larijani added that Iran's nuclear activities would be conducted as always under full IAEA supervision.

"No one should expect Iran to overlook its rights as a member state of the NPT," Larijani stressed, adding that access to nuclear energy was a matter of dignity and defense of sovereignty for Iran.

"It is possible that other countries will one day decide to stop supplying nuclear fuel to Iran and we should therefore be capable of producing it ourselves as a manifestation of our national dignity and independence," Larijani explained.

Moreover, he invited countries to participate in Iran's nuclear programs, including development of nuclear fuel, by investing in these activities.

Larijani said that Tehran would not be dissuaded from its legitimate nuclear programs even if the UN Security Council were to intervene.

"We attach great importance to this right and we insist on it," Iran's top nuclear negotiator said.

Referring to the possibility of sanctions being imposed on Iran, Larijani said that Tehran was not concerned about what action the UN Security Council would take and, for this matter, even sanctions.

"If they (UNSC) issue another resolution imposing sanctions on Iran they would be hurt more," Larijani said.

He said he believed members of the UN Security Council were wise enough not to make any unwise move that would not serve their interests.

But they can act as they wish, Larijani said, adding that Tehran "is determined and its decision stands."

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