Germany's Westerwelle Reaffirms Iran's Right To Have Nuclear Energy

Berlin, April 9, IRNA -- German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle on Sunday reiterated Iran's right to have nuclear energy. Writing exclusively for the Sunday daily 'Bild am Sonntag', Westerwelle stressed again on 'Iran's right to have atomic energy for civilian use.' He highlighted his country's ongoing efforts for a diplomatic solution to the impasse over Tehran's nuclear program. Germany's top diplomat called also for the creation of a nuclear weapons-free zone in the Near and Middle East. Westerwelle has repeatedly rejected American and Israeli military threats against Iran, saying they were not helpful in settling the nuclear stalemate. While Tehran has often said it is willing to resume nuclear talks, it is insisting western countries had to finally recognize its right to enrich uranium. The next round of nuclear talks between Iran and six world powers -Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States - is reportedly scheduled for April 13, however the venue has yet to be chosen. Several countries, among them Turkey, China, Austria, Switzerland and Iraq, had been reported as likely venues for such negotiations./end