Iran wishes a peaceful solution to its nuclear dispute, visiting Iran's
top nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani said here on Monday.
Larijani, who arrived in Ankara Monday morning for an official visit to
Turkey, told reporters at the Esenboga Airport that Iran is trying to be
transparent in its nuclear program.He stressed that Iran's issue must only be
addressed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
"The International Atomic Energy Agency is the place to solve it," Larijani
said.
However, he said that the IAEA will be excluded from the process if the UN
Security Council decides to press Iran to comply over its nuclear activities.
Larijani's visit came as foreign ministers of six nations --five permanent
members of the UN Security Council plus Germany meet in New York on a draft
resolution requiring Iran to freeze all uranium enrichment and reprocess
activities.
On Sunday, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that his country would
not accept the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) anymore if the agreement threatens
its right to carrying out peaceful nuclear research.
Larijani said that Iran does not want to see such a development.He noted that
the NPT is a good agreement and they do not have any intention to abandon this
treaty. However, he indicated that Iran would reconsider this matter in case of
any threat.Larijani also stressed the deep-rooted historical relations and
cooperation between Iran and Turkey, saying that the two countries have common
interests.
Larijani, who came to visit upon the invitation of Turkish National Security
Council (MGK) Secretary General Yigit Alpogan,will meet with Turkish Prime
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan,Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul and Yigit Alpogan.
Turkey, who opposes an extensive economic boycott or a military operation
against Iran, favored a diplomatic solution to Iran's nuclear crisis.
Ankara has called on Iran to act transparently and cooperate with the IAEA to
solve its nuclear issue.