Iran ‘has no problem’ resuming nuclear talks

IRAN yesterday reiterated it is ready to reopen unconditional negotiations with Europeans over its controversial nuclear programme, which the US says is aimed at building a nuclear bomb.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi also hinted the uranium gas Iran has produced is low quality and needs purification before it can be injected into centrifuges to enrich uranium. Iran says it needs to enrich uranium to produce fuel for its future nuclear power plants.

"Iran has no problem with resuming negotiations, but the Islamic Republic of Iran doesn't accept pressure and conditional talks."

Talks between Britain, Germany and France on behalf of the EU and Iran collapsed in August after Iran resumed uranium reprocessing. It had suspended conversion work under a November 2004 deal with the Europeans.

Europeans have in the past said talks would not resume unless Iran stops uranium reprocessing.

Tehran says it will never again stop the conversion but is ready for dialogue. Mr Asefi said mixed signals have been sent about re-opening talks.

"A number of European countries have expressed willingness in the past few days to join talks and help get out of the present situation. ... Instead of sending mixed signals, the EU should practically show it is interested in dialogue."

Last month, the International Atomic Energy Agency passed warned Iran it would be referred to the UN Security Council unless it allayed fears about its nuclear program. In response, Iran has threatened to resume enrichment, block short-notice inspections of nuclear facilities and cut trade with countries that supported the resolution.