No incentive will make Iran drop nuclear fuel programme

Khaleej Times:

No incentive would make Iran drop its nuclear fuel programme, the spokesman for Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) said on Saturday. READ MORE

“Even if the West provided us with all economic, political and security incentives, Iran would not drop its nuclear fuel programme,” Ali Aqamohammadi told ISNA news agency.

The spokesman was referring to a proposal by the European Union trio of Britain, France and Germany, which reportedly offered Teheran cooperation in providing nuclear power besides a package of economic and political incentives.

“Maintaining nuclear fuel technology is our red line which will also determine whether to continue the talks or not,” the spokesman warned.

He said Iran’s right to produce its own nuclear fuel was the main basis in the talks with the EU trio since October 2003, adding that Teheran would never ever make any concessions in this regard.

Iran wants to resume uranium enrichment in the power plants of Isfahan and Natanz in central Iran for producing its own nuclear fuel.

The EU and the United States staunchly oppose this, as enriched uranium could also be used for producing atomic bombs.

Teheran has warned that anything except acknowledgement of Iran’s legitimate right to pursue nuclear technology would be unacceptable and lead to severance of negotiations.

Another cause for concern inside and outside Iran was seen as the probable change in the nuclear delegation, with its chief Hassan Rowhani being replaced following the end of President Mohammad Khatami’s presidential term next month.

Although president-elect Mahmoud Ahmadinejad initially vowed to keep the negotiation team appointed by his predecessor, he announced last Tuesday that he would adopt a new foreign policy, including the nuclear field.