'Unacceptable' to stop Iran enriching uranium: envoy

LONDON, Nov 30 (AFP) Nov 30, 2007
Iran's top nuclear negotiator said Friday it was "unacceptable" to prevent Tehran from enriching uranium, insisting it can do so under international treaty rules.
"Nowhere in the NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) is it written that signatory members do not have the right to enrich," Saeed Jalili told reporters after talks with EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana.

"It is unacceptable that Iran should be deprived of its rights when it has fulfilled its duties," he added.

His comments came at a press conference in the Iranian embassy, shortly after he and Solana ended five hours of discussions without agreement, and with the EU chief voicing disappoinment at the meeting.

Western nations suspect Iran is using its nuclear programme to covertly develop a nuclear bomb. Despite Iranian denials, the United States and its allies are pressing for stronger UN sanctions against Tehran.

US critics say Iran is continuing a long-standing strategy of diplomatic brinksmanship, offering last-minute compromises to delay further sanctions while pressing ahead with its nuclear plans.


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