Iran still examining nuke offer

2006-08-02 23:09

Tokyo - Visiting Iranian vice-president Isfandiar Rahim Mashaee said on Wednesday Iran was still considering a Western incentives package offered to Iran in June in exchange for suspending uranium enrichment.

He said this during talks with Japan's foreign minister, Taro Aso.

But Mashaee also lashed out at a recent UN resolution that calls for Iran to suspend uranium enrichment by August 31 or face the threat of economic and diplomatic sanctions.

"The UN security council resolution was adopted despite the fact Iran is seriously studying the incentives package ... Western countries are resorting to pressure, not dialogue, and wish to deny Iran its rights," Mashaee was quoted as saying.

"Iran will not renounce its right to the peaceful use of nuclear technology, and that is the consensus of the Iranian people."

Mashaee's remarks came after Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad denounced the resolution, which was adopted on Monday, telling a crowd in northeastern Iran that Tehran would not give in to the threats.

Iran's ambassador to the United Nations has said the resolution would make negotiations more difficult on the incentives package.

Tehran has denied allegations by the US that it is seeking nuclear weapons, and maintains its programme is peaceful and aimed at generating electricity.

- AP