Envoy At UN Cautions Against Putting More Pressure On Iran

New York, Feb 14, IRNA – Iranˈs Permanent Ambassador to the United Nations Mohammad Khazaei has criticized taking unreasonable actions against Iran stressing that imposing further threats or sanctions on the country would inactivate diplomatic efforts. Khazaei made the remarks in a letter sent to the rotating chairman of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Wednesday reacting to the irresponsible remarks made by some members of the Council about Iranˈs peaceful nuclear activities. The Islamic Republic of Iran, he said, has always been serious during talks with the sextet including the US, UK, France, China and Russia plus Germany and expected the other side to be serious and realistic too. Khazaei further stressed Iranˈs legitimate right to have nuclear fuel cycle, underlining Tehranˈs readiness to hold negotiations based on mutual respect and understanding. Commenting on some hostile remarks and unfounded claims made Wednesday by certain members of the UNSC about Iranˈs peaceful nuclear program, Khazaei reiterated Tehranˈs committment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as well as the countryˈs determination to continue its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the basis of safeguards agreements. Recognition of Iranˈs legitimate right to enrich uranium and have nuclear fuel cycle based on the NPT is an evident and transparent issue, noted the envoy. He stressed Iranian officials have repeatedly announced that pursuing a double standard approach— putting pressure on Iran on one hand and voicing readiness to hold talks on the other— was meaningless and would derail diplomatic efforts. Khazaei added no talks could be successful, unless it was held in a constructive and positive atmosphere which would lead to cooperation. Iran and the sextet are to hold fresh talks in Kazakhstan on February 26. Presently, representatives of Iran and the IAEA are holding the eighth round of talks in Tehran. The talks started on February 13 and is to continue today./end