Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said in
Geneva yesterday that Iran hoped the nuclear issue could be solved through
diplomatic negotiations within the framework of the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA).
The referral of the nuclear issue to the UN Security Council was a mistaken
move, which could only weaken the position of the IAEA, Mottaki told reporters
after addressing a session of the Conference on Disarmament.
Mottaki said the IAEA had clear concepts for rights and obligations of member
states, therefore, it was an appropriate place to look for a settlement of the
nuclear issue.
Further importance should be added to the work of the IAEA, so that certain
solutions to problems could be found within the agency, he said.
When asked a question on possible UN Security Council sanctions against
Tehran over the nuclear issue, Mottaki said that "We have readied ourselves to
all possible conditions."
He said, however, under the current conditions, the possibility of sanctions
on Iran "does not exist".
Mottaki also reiterated that Iran would not give up its inalienable right to
produce nuclear fuel, noting that Iran's uranium enrichment activities are in
compliance with the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Iran will continue its sincere cooperation with the IAEA, he said.
He also said that Iran was open to all proposals and plans for solving the
nuclear issue, noting, however, that any suggestions must ensure Iran's
legitimate rights for peaceful nuclear development.
The minister added that Iran's legal rights should be respected, and related
countries should avoid taking action that might complicate the issue.
The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a presidential statement on
Wednesday afternoon calling on Iran to resume suspension of all uranium
enrichment-related activities within 30 days.
Mottaki also revealed that Iran will discussed with the United States on the
Iraqi issue.
Iran has always supported the stability and expansion of democracy in Iraq
and respected its neighbor's territorial integrity and national unity, he
added.