Iran’s Nuclear Activities Entirely Peaceful: President Rouhani
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday reiterated that all of the country’s nuclear activities have been and will remain peaceful.
Speaking in a meeting with Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, who is in Tehran heading a delegation from the group The Elders, Rouhani said in nuclear talks with the Group 5+1 (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany), Iran seeks nothing beyond its rights based on the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
“If there is serious resolve in the other side” the president said “there is readiness for reaching a final agreement and for the comprehensive resolution (of issues) in the short run.”
Iran and the Group 5+1 (also known as P5+1 or E3+3) on November 24 signed a six-month deal on Tehran’s nuclear program based on which the world powers agreed to suspend some non-essential sanctions and to impose no new nuclear-related bans in return for Tehran's decision to freeze parts of its nuclear activities and to allow more inspection of its nuclear facilities.
Meantime, the latest reports said Tehran and the six major world powers are likely to hold a fresh round of nuclear negotiations in New York later in February.
Elsewhere in his remarks, President Rouhani referred to the situation in Syria and urged for united front to put an end to war and killings in Syria.
He said the main step in this direction is for certain regional countries to end supporting terrorist groups and avoid sending aid and weapons to these groups.
The Iranian chief executive also expressed respect for Nelson Mandela, founder of The Elders, and said Mandela’s ideas and his peaceful path will remain relevant in the world.
Annan, for his part, highlighted Iran’s influential role in the region’s developments and security.
He hailed President Rouhani’s views on Syria and said in order to find a political solution to the Syrian crisis, the UN Security Council and Syria’s neighbors, especially Iran, should play their role.
Annan arrived in Tehran on Sunday along with three other members of The Elders. Former President of Finland and Nobel Peace Laureate Martti Ahtisaari, former President of Mexico Ernesto Zedillo, and retired South African Anglican bishop Desmond Tutu accompany Annan in the three-day visit.
Founded in 2007 by Nelson Mandela, The Elders is an independent group of global leaders who work together for peace and human rights.
