Iran’s Foreign Minister: “No One Can Deny Other Country’s Rights”

Mr. Manouchehr Mottaki, Foreign Minister of Iran, spoke with United Nations correspondents today about the current crisis in his country and on the nuclear debate.  He was questioned on his recent trip to Washington to meet with officials to discuss opening up dialogue.

“Enjoyment of a peaceful nuclear program is the right of all member states. All of these issues (nuclear, economic sanctions) require comprehensive dialogue. Naturally, such dialogue is important among countries that play a leading role in the international scene. Therefore we are not going to lose any opportunity to address these issues. And we are trying to find holistic solutions. ” Mottaki said.

The Head of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) made strong statements this week regarding Iran’s failure to disclose the new nuclear facilities that are under construction. Mr. Mottaki responded that there is still no sufficient evidence to show that Iran has not respected its obligations to the IAEA.

A Geneva Summit which took place today with the 5 permanent members plus one (Germany) and representatives from Iran, drew a mixed response from the members (United States, France, Untied Kingdom, Russia and China) and put increasing pressure on the Iranians to respect the recommendations of the IAEA and to show transparency in its nuclear producing interests.

Mottaki underlined that Iran has been a member of NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty) for 40 years and  a committed member of the IAEA. He outlined Iran’s action to inform the IAEA has taken place for over a year and a half.

“Iran announced nuclear sites and facilities 18 months earlier that it needed based on IAEA regulations” he said.

Mottaki added Iran has the right to defend itself and is doing everything in compliance of the United Nations Charter and IAEA regulations.

“In the talks I had with foreign ministers from the P-5 countries, it was clear expectations should not be high about this October 1st meeting and the hope was for the continuation of such talks. Iran supports this will.”

 

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