Iran's N. Stance Remains Unchanged
News number: 870415119418:36 | 2008-07-05Nuclear
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=8704151194

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran is ready to negotiate with world powers over its nuclear
program but without suspending its uranium enrichment work, the government
spokesman said on Saturday.

"Iran's stance has not changed (on uranium enrichment) and we are ready to
hold talks on the common points of the P5+1 incentives package and Iran's
package," Gholam Hossein Elham told a weekly news conference.

"Iran will not go back on its rights on the nuclear issue," Elham said, in
the first comments from Tehran since it handed over a response to a set of
proposals by the world powers.

"The will of the Iranian people is firm and will continue to follow the
principles defined by the Supreme Leader (Ayatollah Ali Khamenei)," the
spokesman said at a weekly news conference.

Elham also reiterated that talks with the 5+1 would only be held on the
basis of respecting Iran's rights.

"Iran insists on negotiations (with world powers) while respecting its
rights and avoiding any loss of international rights," he said, referring to
Tehran's refusal to give up its NPT right of nuclear enrichment.

Iran on Friday delivered its response to a package drawn up by six world
powers offering Iran technology and negotiations if it gives up uranium
enrichment, and said it agreed to hold further discussions later this month
about West's proposals.

Iran's Ambassador in Brussels Ali-Asghar Khaji handed over Tehran's response
to Russia, China, France, Britain, the United States, and Germany.

Solana is also scheduled to meet Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Saeed
Jalili in mid-July.

In response to a question on recent remarks by some Iranian officials on the
nuclear case, Elham said that individuals are free in Iran to express their
views but their personal statements do not represent the opinion of the
government and the system.

"The government is responsible for the country's affairs and makes
decisions," he said, adding that "on the nuclear issue, there is a national
consensus. The Iranian people have a resolve to hold on to their inalienable
rights."

Elham announced that Secretary of Supreme National Security Council, Saeed
Jalili, is in charge of negotiations with European Union (EU) foreign policy
chief Javier Solana, who delivered the incentives package on behalf of six
major countries to Tehran during a visit there early June.