Iran, Germany FMs hold nuclear talks

TEHRAN, Sept. 28 (MNA) -- Iranian foreign minister and his German counterpart held talks in New York on Sunday over Tehran’s nuclear issue.

In this meeting, which was held on the request of the German side, Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki criticized the West’s double standard policy toward Iran’s nuclear program.

Mottaki told his German counterpart Guido Westerwelle that talks with the Islamic Republic is the only option for the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany).

Although under a pressure from the West the UN Security Council approved a new sanctions resolution against Iran, the Islamic Republic is still ready to implement the Tehran Declaration and hold talks with the 5+1 group, Mottaki added.

Based on the Tehran Declaration signed between Iran, Turkey, and Brazil on May 17 Iran would ship 1200 kilograms of its low-enriched uranium to Turkey to be exchanged for 120 kilograms of 20 percent enriched nuclear fuel rods to power the Tehran research reactor, which produces radioisotopes for cancer treatment.

Westerwelle, for his part, said the current political and international conditions are ripe for resumption of talks on Iran's nuclear issue.

All members of the 5+1 group insist on Iran's right to nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, he said, adding the dispute between Iran and the West can be resolved only through constructive talks.

President Ahmadinejad announced on Friday that Iran and the 5+1 group will hold nuclear talks in October.