Economic Offers Won't Stop Nuclear Program

Dow Jones Newswires, AP:

Iran Tuesday said economic incentives may help improve foreign relations but won't permanently stop Tehran from pursuing a nuclear program it says is for generating electricity but which the U.S. government says is for weapons. ...

"Economic incentives can't replace our rights. Our legitimate rights can't be compensated through economic incentives," Kharrazi told a press conference Tuesday.

"That America corrects part of its past mistakes is not an incentive," he said of Washington dropping its opposition, but offered: "(That) may be effective to help improve relations between Iran and the U.S." READ MORE

Nuclear talks between Iran and the U.K., Germany and France, who negotiate on behalf of the European Union, ended without result earlier this month. The two sides are to meet again March 23. ...

Kharrazi said a compromise is possible only if it meets Iran 's right to continue its peaceful nuclear program and guarantees that ease concerns that Iran 's nuclear activities may be diverted toward weapons.

"We have prepared our proposals, which are attractive and can ease European concerns. We expect that Europeans will take the proposals seriously," he said.

Kharrazi refused to discuss the Iranian proposals but said Europe's reaction would show whether the talks would be constructive or reach a deadlock.

"If we come to the conclusion that it's waste of time, we will make another decision. We won't be ready for talks then," he warned.

"What is important for us is uranium enrichment and keeping the technology. We won't let anybody to deny our rights," he said.

Kharrazi said Iran has already achieved proficiency in the whole range of cycle of nuclear fuel - extracting uranium ore to enriching it. ...