Iran Welcomes Nuclear Talks in Official Statement

In a statement made Wednesday, Iran officially indicated that it would welcome talks over its nuclear program and that it is ready to offer a proposal to alleviate the ongoing argument that has arisen over its uranium enrichment program. While Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad noted last week in a speech that Iran would take part in talks on the matter, yesterday’s statement appears to be a specific response to an invitation of Iran to a talk on the matter according to state-run IRNA new agency.

In the statement, Iran noted, "The Islamic Republic of Iran will continue its nuclear activities in an active collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency in the framework of the N.P.T., along with other member nations. The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes constructive talks based on justice and mutual respect. We believe that international problems should be resolved through dialogue."

The statement did stop short of promising to cease enrichment activities in the lead up to the talks, making it a point to note that "the rhetoric of force and threat" would not work to reach a resolution and that such tactics had, in the past, "proved to be inefficient." The statement also went on to say that the "Iranian people consider terms such as ‘two-track strategy’ in violation of mutual respect and dialogue in fair atmosphere." Finally, President Ahmadinejad noted that he welcomed the shift in U.S. attitude and policy toward his country, but that he was waiting for more specific, definitive changes to take place.