Iran’s IAEA envoy: Window for negotiations still open

The remarks by Ali-Asghar Soltanieh came as President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad ordered the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) on Sunday to start work to enrich uranium to 20 percent to operate the Tehran research reactor which produces medical isotopes.

“If they (other countries) come to the conclusion that they had better have a cooperative environment or approach rather than the language of threat, and they are ready to come to the negotiating table, our proposal is still on the table,”  Soltanieh told CNN.

Iran on Tuesday started to produce nuclear fuel with a purity of 20 percent.

“As (of) tomorrow (Tuesday), the steps will start in fact under the full scope,

safeguards, and the supervision of the (IAEA) inspectors,” the diplomat noted.

The decision to produce nuclear fuel to 20 percent was made after the IAEA and the six major powers failed to provide fuel to the medical reactor.

“For nine months, we have hesitated to do so because we wanted to give the opportunity for the others. We think the framework of the IAEA (is) to have some sort of international cooperation to open a new chapter of cooperation, rather than confrontation.”

Soltanieh said Iran will produce enough nuclear fuel for the research reactor, which he said is roughly about 116 or 120 kilograms.

Until now, only a few countries were known to have the technology for such work.

Soltanieh insisted Iran does have the expertise to move forward with its nuclear program.

“We have in fact the infrastructure and the technology know-how. We have already been able to manufacture the fuel rods,” he added.

“Of course, it is the first experience… but we have proved that we will be able to do it. And this is, in fact, the confidence that Iranian scientists have got.”

AA/PA

END

MNA