Tehran, Jan 28, IRNA , Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki here on Monday advised his US counterpart, Condoleezza Rice, to hold talks with Iran in the context of the Group 5+1.
Talking to reporters, he said, “We have set forth our transparent and logical stand and insist on our rights regarding nuclear energy.” Urging the US authorities to be realistic, he said Washington has accepted that nuclear energy is Iran’s legitimate right, but they say that Tehran should suspend nuclear its program.
Mottaki turned down an invitation from Rice in Davos, Switzerland, for conditioning it to a halt to fuel cycle program.
“Nuclear energy is Iran’s indisputable right and we will not negotiate on it,” Mottaki noted.
Commenting on hue and cry made by the US on the fabricated story of a naval stand-off in the strategic Strait of Hormuz between Iranian speedboats and a US warship, he said the scenario was created on the threshold of President George W. Bush’s tour to the region.
By making the hue and cry, the US tried to show that the regional situation is critical, he said adding that President Bush has failed in his mission to the Middle East.
Mottaki then condemned recent crimes committed by the Israel in the Gaza Strip and said that the US should be held responsible for the unmanly crimes of Israel.