The three European powers negotiating with Iran over its nuclear activities presented the Islamic Republic on Thursday with a proposal to end its uranium enrichment program or risk being referred to the UN’s Security Council. The three European powers negotiating with Iran over its nuclear activities presented the Islamic Republic on Thursday with a proposal to end its uranium enrichment program or risk being referred to the UN’s Security Council. Theran called this proposal unbalanced and rejected “any unlimited suspension” of its uranium enrichment. Talks between Iran and the Europeans would continue next Wednesday.
Iran’s Foreign ministry spokesman, Hamid Reza Assefi called the European proposal “unbalanced”. Independent international news agencies in Tehran interpreted this as a ‘No’ answer to the EU3 proposal. But a close look at what Mr. Assefi has said shows that the Iran is still uncertain about its final decision.
On Sunday, Assefi said “The European proposal is their preliminary proposition and is not definitive.” He endorsed Europe’s decision to engage in negotiation on this matter and added: “This is the right approach and we are now in the right path. But we should find a way which would please both parties.”
The three European states, Britain, France and Germany presented Iran with a deal on Thursday to avoid possible UN sanctions against Iran. Under this deal Iran will receive valuable nuclear technology, lucrative trade contracts and enriched uranium in return for suspension of its uranium enrichment activities.
Although many interpreted the suspension of uranium as permanent, the foreign ministry spokesperson in his Sunday news conference has given a different interpretation when he said, the suspension of uranium enrichment is not permanent rather, it is for an indefinite period and that is until we reach a sustainable agreement with Europe.
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He emphasised that Iran has her own proposals and will preset them on next Wednesday in fresh talks with EU 3. He did not give any further information about the details of these proposals.
In Majlis (Iran’s parliament) Gholam-Ali Hadad-Adel, the Majlis spokesperson, said on Sunday: “If indefinite suspension of enrichment of uranium means that Iran would lose its right for ever it would not be acceptable.” However, Mr. Bayat the MP from Zanjan spoke of an Iranian plan, which is aimed at renewing uranium enrichment. This would be a development that would strengthen the U.S. stand at the next IAEA meeting on 24th November when they review Iran’s case.
