Iran will not relinquish its nuclear rights

TEHRAN,March 14(MNA)-- During his regular press briefing , Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ramin Mehmanparast replied to a question about the remarks that European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, who represents the 5+1 group (the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China, and Germany) in nuclear negotiations with Iran, made on March 10, in which she said, “Our purpose is to persuade Iran to move away from its nuclear program.” Mehmanparast said, “Certain remarks that are being made date back to several years ago. The Islamic Republic is pursuing its indigenous nuclear activities.” He added, “What is certain is that all countries have the right to use nuclear knowhow for peaceful activities to make progress, and the Islamic Republic of Iran has definitely taken the lead in this campaign.” Asked whether the issue raised by Ashton would be on the agenda of the next round of talks between Iran and the 5+1 group, he said, “The agenda of the negotiations must be agreed upon by both sides… It is far-fetched that issues would be raised that would put into question the mere negotiations. Our country’s nuclear activities are being carried out within the framework stipulated in the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Agency (Statute).” On the venue for talks, he stated that Istanbul has formally announced its readiness to host the talks.