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Iran's Larijani wishes peaceful solution to nuclear dispute during visit in Turkey
9/5/2006 10:46

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.



Xinhua News