Iran nuclear issue could be resolved through dialogue: ex-Japan PM

TEHRAN, April 9 (MNA) – Former Japanese prime minister Yukio Hatoyama expressed hope that the dispute over Iran’s nuclear program could be resolved through talks and dialogue. Hatoyama made the remarks during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi in Tehran on Saturday. He also highlighted the importance of the next round of talks between Tehran and the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany), which is scheduled to be held on April 13. Elsewhere in his remarks, Hatoyama said, “Japan, as a victim of nuclear weapons, believes that no country in the world should possess weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons.” He added that the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is the right of all countries. The Iranian foreign minister said, “The Islamic Republic, based on the statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the regulations stipulated in the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, is pursuing its right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and will not give up the right.” He also said that the Islamic Republic is seeking peace, stability, and security in the world and the region. In addition, he expressed hope that the next round of talks between Iran and the 5+1 group will provide the West with an opportunity to move toward confidence-building.