Iran Says It Is Willing to Work with US on Nuclear Activities
VOA News
25 Sep 2003, 07:59 UTC
Iran's foreign minister says his country is willing to work with the United States on Tehran's nuclear activities if Washington changes its attitude towards Iran.
In an interview with the Washington Post newspaper, Kamal Kharrazi said Iran is willing to sign an amendment to its nuclear non-proliferation agreement that would permit unannounced inspections. But he said that would only occur if the United States agrees to make clear the amendment would end debate over Iran's nuclear intentions.
Mr. Kharrazi also said if the United States brings in what he calls a "new environment for cooperation," Iran would be ready to work with Washington. Wednesday, Mr. Kharrazi told the U.N. General Assembly that Iran would not abandon its uranium enrichment program, saying it is only for civilian purposes. He also accused the United States of pressuring the U.N. nuclear agency to set a deadline for Iran to cooperate with an investigation into its nuclear program. The measure calls for Iran to meet an October 31st deadline to prove its nuclear program is peaceful.
The United States has accused Iran of secretly developing nuclear weapons. Tehran insists its nuclear facilities are only for peaceful purposes.
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