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"I hope we will receive a positive response which will be satisfactory to both sides," said Solana. (Reuters) |
TEHRAN — Iran cited on Tuesday, June 6, positive aspects in an offer by six world powers to break an impasse over its nuclear program, amid reports it includes a provision for the US to supply Tehran with some nuclear technology.
"There are positive steps in the proposal, and there are also some ambiguities that should be cleared up," Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani said on state television, reported Agence France-Presse (AFP).
"We consider that the European will to solve the issue through talks is a correct step, and we welcome this," he said after two hours of talks with EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana who presented the offer.
The package, drawn up by Britain, France and Germany and backed by the US Russia and China, has not been made public.
It is generally understood to offer a variety of incentives and fresh multilateral talks if Tehran agrees to suspend uranium enrichment work.
The United States accuses Iran of using its nuclear program to hide a quest for atomic weapons and has refused to rule out a military action.
Iran has repeatedly refuted the accusation, insisting that the sole aim of its program is to generate electricity.
Good
Solana has also sounded upbeat about his talks with Iranian officials, describing them as "good discussions."
He asserted that "there is a strong consensus between the six countries" behind the package.
"Now that the proposal is on the table, I hope we will receive a positive response which will be satisfactory to both sides," Solana said after also meeting Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki and ending his flying visit to Tehran.
A string of tough comments from Iranian officials have left many diplomats fearing that the offer could prove to be dead on arrival but Larijani asserted that it would be studied.
"They submitted the proposals and the discussions were good. We have to examine these proposals and then we will give our response," he said.
"We hope, after we study the proposal in detail, we will have another round of talks and negotiations to achieve a balanced and logical conclusion."
Western officials have said Iran — which has so far refused to freeze enrichment work — will be expected to give its response within a matter of weeks.
Package
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| "Let's let the Iranians take a look at what the offers are, at the incentives and disincentives," said Snow. (Reuters) |
Quoting diplomats, the Associated Press said the incentives package includes a provision for Washington to supply Tehran with some nuclear technology — a major concession by the US.
The New York Times reported Tuesday that the package includes a proposal to allow Iran to upgrade its aging civilian air fleet through the purchase of aircraft parts from the American giant Boeing.
Since the 1979 revolution, Iran has been subject to American sanctions that hinder the purchase of plane spare parts not only American-made airplanes and parts, but also European planes like Airbus.
The package includes waiving trade sanctions against Iran to allow the purchase of American agricultural technology, said European diplomats and a senior Bush administration official.
The five permanent members of the Security Council plus Germany agreed on the package last week in Vienna, but declined to make the proposal public.
The offer includes a commitment from the six nations to support Iran's plan for a nuclear energy program for civilian use, including building light-water reactors through joint projects with other countries, the diplomats said.
The United States and Europe also agreed to back Iran's membership in the World Trade Organization, they added.
But the centerpiece proposal is an American offer to end its nearly three-decade policy against direct talks with Iran and to join in the negotiations over Iran's nuclear program.
While being offered carrots, Iran also faces the stick of robust Security Council action -- including a range of possible sanctions -- if it rejects the offer.
It was unclear whether the package includes a guarantee that the United States will not attack Iran if it agrees to suspend uranium enrichment.
Washington has resisted giving those guarantees, while France and Russia have pushed for them, according to the New York Times .
The Bush administration has urged Iran to consider the package carefully.
"I would counsel patience," White House spokesman Tony Snow told reporters in Washington on Monday, June 5.
"At this point, as we've said all along, let's give it time. Let's let the Iranians take a look at what the offers are, at the incentives and disincentives." |
