Iran insists on uranium enrichment on its soil, welcomes other suppliers

Iran's Government Spokesman Gholam-Hossein Elham said Iran insists on its right to enrich uranium on its soil and on the principles already defined in the nuclear energy issue, IRNA reported.

The government's stance is to have enrichment on domestic soil and the Russian proposal will be studied based on this stance, he told domestic and foreign reporters in his weekly press conference.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has invited foreign countries to invest in Iran's nuclear energy programs in accordance with its rights guaranteed under international law and treaties including enrichment of uranimum at home, he said.

However, he added, there is room for study on any proposal within the afore-mentioned framework.

Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani said it was ready to accept proposals for complementary nuclear projects from other states during an exclusive interview with the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).

"Iran welcomes all projects and proposals on nuclear cooperation from other states and is ready to conduct joint studies in detail," Larijani said in his comments on Russia's proposal to enrich uranium for Iran.

"There is no obstacle to countries supplying nuclear fuel to other countries.

"But Iranians will rely on their national resources and potential to materialize their goals in the nuclear field. As provided in the Constitution, the SNSC is the most competent body for forging strategies on defense and adopting a national security doctrine for the country," Larijani said.

He pointed out that the SNSC was constitutionally mandated "to effect coordination among the various sectors of the government in order to forge effective domestic and foreign strategies to defend the national interests."

He also broached the idea of codifying the country's guiding principles in national security, something which he said would take a long time, but added that it was needed to pinpoint "opportunities and threats."

Pointing to the increasing global thirst for energy, he said that "governments in recent decades have increasingly become aware of the bright future that lies ahead for their various energy sectors." "Iran is a regional powerhouse because of its influence and geographical location," Larijani said while elaborating on the various uses of nuclear technology.

"Access to advanced technology will further enhance Iran's position in the region and the world. This possibility is causing concern among other countries."

Reiterating Iran's right to pursue nuclear energy, he reminded that the right is accorded every member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the nuclear watchdog of the international community which is "mandated to enforce rules and regulations adopted by its members."

"Iran and Russia have a wholesome interaction in different fields. Russia gives importance to its cooperation with Iran in its national interest. Its cooperation with Tehran will not be limited to a specific time and will not be contingent on the materialization of regional or extra-regional interests."

Iran's nuclear strategist said Russia's proposal on uranium enrichment was unacceptable because it would deprive it of the right to obtain nuclear technology to complete the fuel cycle.

Pointing to remarks made by French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy on the Iran-Russia nuclear cooperation, Larijani said that the statements were "inaccurate."

Remarking on recent threats leveled against Iran such as the Zionist attack of a possible attack on its nuclear facilities, he said the Zionist regime and the West were waging a "psychological warfare" against Iran.

"Iran will respond decisively once the threats become real," he added.