Iran: EU offer 'unacceptable'

2005-08-05 21:57

Tehran - Iran dismissed as "unacceptable" a package of European Union proposals submitted on Friday, aimed at persuading Tehran to give up nuclear fuel work in return for economic, technological and political incentives.

Nuclear negotiator Hossein Moussavian said: "The proposals are unacceptable," describing them as in "clear violation" of agreements between Iran and the EU.

He said: "They negate Iran's inalienable right to enrich uranium," - pointing out that Tehran had the right to develop nuclear fuel for peaceful purposes under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Moussavian also said Iran would resume uranium conversion, a precursor to enrichment, despite a meeting of the UN watchdog next week aimed at persuading Tehran to maintain a freeze on the work.

- AFP