Iran will not forego its nuclear rights, Larijani tells 5+1

URMIA, Nov. 28 (MNA)-- Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani said that Iran will not step back an inch from its rights to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

Larijani made the remarks ahead of the scheduled talks between Iran and the 5+1 group (five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany).

“It (should) not be supposed that the Islamic Republic will back down due to creating a brouhaha and uttering big words… and Iran will not back down an inch on its interests,” Larijani stated in a meeting with a number of local officials in Urmia, the capital of West Azerbaijan Province late on Thursday.

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has agreed with Iran’s proposal that the talks be held on December 5.

Larijani went on to say, “My interpretation is that during the past year and a half, they have become avaricious to meddle in Iran’s internal affairs. However, on several occasions, the Supreme Leader gave them a hard slap and they went into coma.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, Larijani highlighted the necessity of maintaining national unity, saying whenever a disagreement emerges all must adhere to the guidelines of the Leader.

National unity

During his one-day visit to Urmia, Larijani also addressed a gathering of the Basij (volunteer) members on the occasion of Eid al-Qadir.

In his address, Larijani said that the Iranian nation must keep a close eye on the enemy’s plots against the country in different areas, particularly in nuclear and human rights issues.

“Today, the way to confront the enemy is to preserve unity,” he noted.

He also said that backing the Supreme Leader will guarantee the country’s prosperity.