Iran says it hopes 5+1 proposals will be balanced, logical

TEHRAN,Feb.12(MNA) – Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said that Iran hopes the proposals of the world powers regarding Tehran’s nuclear issue will be balanced and logical. He made the remarks during an interview with Azerbaijan’s Trend News Agency published on Monday. The next round of talks between Iran and the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany) is scheduled to be held in Kazakhstan on February 26 to discuss the issues raised over the country’s nuclear program. The United States, Israel and their allies accuse Iran of pursuing non-civilian nuclear activities. Iran, however, rejects the claims and argues that as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty it has right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes. “We will never step back from this right. We do not want to go beyond the frames of our rights, and do not wish to use nuclear energy for other purposes,” Araqchi said. “This wish of ours opens a way to holding balanced and fair negotiations for finding ways to mutual trust, both for Iran and other countries.” “If the 5+1 countries are positive towards this, then we believe a way out can be found,” he added. Speaking about the developments in Iran over the past 34 years, Araqchi said after the Islamic Revolution in 1979, the country’s enemies did their best to stop the progress of the Iranian nation but failed. Elsewhere in his remarks, he elaborated on the achievements of the country in various areas such as economy, military, science and technology, and politics. Commenting on the country’s role in the international arena, Araqchi said, “Iran is one of the key players able to solve problems in Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine and Syria… and plays a leading role in providing security both in the region and the world.”