Iran Determined To Use Nuclear Energy For Peaceful Purposes: Majlis Speaker

Tehran, Feb 6, IRNA – Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani said on Wednesday that Iran is determined to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Speaking to Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt on Wednesday, Larijani said signing up to the NPT and the Fatwa issued by Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei that use of nuclear arms is religiously forbidden, all indicate Iranˈs will for peaceful use of nuclear energy. He said the Iran-G5+1 nuclear talks have experienced ups and downs. He said that it is now believed that final agreement will be possible in light of talks and good intention as well as mutual interest and the atmosphere is now ripe for this. He added that the negotiating parties should not prevent Iranˈs access to peaceful use of nuclear energy through bargaining. Elsewhere in his remarks, Larijani expressed dissatisfaction with current level of trade ties with Sweden and called for promotion of bilateral trade. Underlining crucial role of Iran-Sweden parliamentary cooperation, Larijani said Majlis is prepared for all-out expansion of ties, in the parliamentary domain in particular. Referring to conditions in Afghanistan and growing drug smuggling to Europe and other parts of the world from that country since 2001, Larijani said Iran-Europe cooperation can play a decisive role in the anti-narcotic campaign. The Swedish minister, for his part, said easing of sanctions will lead to higher trade ties. He hoped that following sanctions relief in the near future, mutual trade and economic ties will grow./end