Iran nuclear chief resigns
2007-10-20 13:16
Tehran - Ali Larijani, who has fronted
Tehran's efforts to defuse an atomic row with the West, has
resigned as Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, the government's
spokesman said on Saturday.
Saeed Jalili, deputy foreign minister for European and
American affairs, was expected to replace Larijani, the official
IRNA news agency said.
Larijani was set to meet EU foreign policy chief Javier
Solana in Rome on Tuesday for more discussions about Iran's
nuclear ambitions, which the West says are aimed at building
atomic bombs despite Tehran's denials.
Government spokesperson Gholamhossein Elham, quoted by IRNA,
said Larijani's replacement was expected to meet Solana as
planned.
'Both oppose halting in programme'
Some analysts have said Larijani had differences with
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad over tactics in handling the
atomic row. But the analysts have said both oppose halting the
nuclear programme.
The final say in all matters of state, including nuclear
policy, lies with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei under
Iran's system of clerical rule.
"Ali Larijani, the secretary of the Supreme National
Security Council, resigned from his position," Elham said,
adding that Ahmadinejad had accepted his resignation after
previous offers by Larijani to resign were turned down.
"Despite Larijani's resignation, there will be no change in
the council's programme and the new secretary will meet Javier
Solana."