Iran Entitled To Develop Civil Nuclear Program : UK

London, April 29, IRNA - UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office said that Iran has a right to develop a civil nuclear program under the terms of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). In a written interview with IRNA, a Foreign Office spokesperson cautiously welcomed the recent talks between Iran and so-called E3+3 (5+1) countries held in Istanbul two weeks ago, but fell short of calling it “positive and constructive”. The following is the full text of the interview; IRNA: Iran and E3+3 have said that they had a positive and constructive talk in Istanbul. What is the British government’s position on that? Do you also believe the talks were positive and constructive? FCO spokesperson: The six negotiating powers approached these talks determined to pursue a serious dialogue with Iran, and committed to finding a peaceful, negotiated solution to the nuclear issue. The talks in Istanbul were a first step towards that objective, but there is still a long way to go. We look forward to the next round of talks. We now need agreement on urgent, practical steps to build confidence around the world that Iran will implement its international obligations and does not intend to build a nuclear weapon. IRNA: Foreign Secretary Mr. William Hague in an interview with BBC has said “Certainly our position, in line with UN Security Council resolutions, is that enrichment must stop”. It seems UK position is different from other E3+3 members in this regards, because as I understand nobody in Istanbul denied Iran’s right for uranium enrichment for peaceful purposes. FCO spokesperson: We have always said that Iran has a right to a civil nuclear power program under the terms of the NPT. But UNSCRs make clear that Iran should suspend all proliferation sensitive activity, including enrichment. Our position is in line with UN Security Council resolutions that enrichment must stop. IRNA: Mr Jalili and Ms Ashton both have said that the NPT (not UN resolutions) is the basis for any negotiations and agreement. Does the British government agree with that? FCO spokesperson: The NPT is a key basis (alongside UN Security Council resolutions) for serious engagement between Iran and the E3+3. We want to see a process of serious dialogue with urgent practical steps to build confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program. This includes full compliance by Iran with all its international obligations, including cooperation with the IAEA and compliance with UN Security Council resolutions. IRNA: Do you think Western countries after a long campaign of sanctions, threats, sabotage ... are finally coming to the term to officially accept Iran’s nuclear program? FCO spokesperson: The international community remains seriously concerned about the intentions of Iran’s nuclear program. We have always said that Iran has a right to a civil nuclear power program under the terms of the NPT. If Iran takes concrete steps to address our concerns, our offer to provide help in a number of areas, including with the development of civil nuclear power stations, still stands. IRNA: Some analysts believe the sanctions against Iran now should be lifted or at least eased as a good will gesture and confidence building measure. Do you think it could be the case for next round of talks in Baghdad? FCO spokesperson: We have been clear that it would need a significant and substantive move from Iran before these kind of alterations to the sanctions regime become credible. IRNA: Do you support WMD-Free Middle East Proposal? If so what do you suggest about Israel’s nuclear and other mass destruction weapons? FCO spokesperson: We are working more widely to help reduce tensions in the Middle East and support a nuclear weapons free region. We are working to promote a successful conference later this year on the creation of a Middle East Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD) Free Zone./end