RI Supports Nuclear Technology For Peaceful Purpose

Jakarta, Oct 24 (Antara) - Indonesia reiterated its support for the use of nuclear technology, but insists that it be used for peaceful purposes, Foreign Affairs Ministry`s Director General for Information and Public Diplomacy AM Fachir said here on Thursday. He made his statement while commenting on nuclear talks between Iran and the five U.N. Security Council members - the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia - along with Germany - in Geneva last October 15-17. "The point is that nuclear power must be used only for peaceful purposes. If there is any allegation or suspicion that a certain party is using it for negative purpose, it must be discussed with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)," he said. Earlier, Reuters reported that Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said he saw no guarantee of progress in future talks, saying the two sides were "kilometres apart" in their approaches. "The result is better than in Almaty (talks in April), but it does not guarantee further progress, there could have been better cooperation," Ryabkov was quoted by Interfax as saying. "One of the reasons was an exceptionally low level of mutual trust, almost the lack of required trust," he was quoted as saying by Itar-Tass. "The positions of the Iranian side and the group (of six powers) are wide apart from each other - the distance can be measured in kilometres, while advances forward can be measured in steps - half a metre each." Meanwhile, western diplomats praised the two-day session, expressing hope of success in further talks set for Nov. 7-8, again to be held in Geneva. The Islamic Republic began negotiations with the six powers after Hassan Rouhani was elected president in June, promising fewer confrontations in relations with the rest of the world. Ryabkov said the rhetoric of the nuclear talks was different due to the change of leadership. "We felt that, indeed, the tone of the talks, the character of discussions, reflected those changes," he was quoted as saying. "At the same time, the talks were difficult, at times tense, at times unpredictable." Western powers and their allies suspect Tehran is seeking to produce nuclear bombs. Iran denies it, saying its nuclear programme is peaceful. Iran has for years demanded the West lift sanctions on its oil and banking sector and recognise its right to enrich uranium before it makes any concessions.