Iran rejects preconditions for nuclear talks

By Xinhua

Madrid : Iran has rejected any preconditions for the nuclear talks with European Union (EU) scheduled Thursday here.


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Iran's top nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani arrived in Spain's capital Wednesday where he said Iran would not accept any preconditions in talks on its nuclear enrichment programme.

Speaking at a press conference upon his arrival EU officials said that Iran was willing for "other nations, like France" to take part in negotiations to resolve the contentious nuclear program.

"Given the transparency and the logic we have shown, the presence of any other nations is welcome," said Larijani, who is set to meet here EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana.

Asked about the planned meeting with Solana, Larijani said: "There are lessons to learn about past conversations."

"There are certain countries that are trying to prevent negotiations from happening," he said.

"Only free of preconditions will we be willing to start negotiations," he said.

The US accuses Iran of developing nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian nuclear programme.

Iran however insists its nuclear programmes are for peaceful purposes only and has refused to heed the UN Security Council's demand to suspend uranium enrichment activities.

Larijani maintained that Iran was acting legally in developing a nuclear programme and had no plans to seek nuclear weapons.

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