Iran on Friday rejected a package of European Union proposals aimed at persuading it to give up nuclear fuel work, instead vowing to resume sensitive uranium-conversion activities.
”The proposals are unacceptable,” nuclear negotiator Hossein Moussavian said, describing them as in ”clear violation” of agreements between Iran and the EU.
”They negate Iran’s inalienable right [to enrich uranium],” he said, pointing out that Tehran has the right to develop nuclear fuel for peaceful purposes under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Moussavian also said Iran will resume uranium conversion, a precursor to enrichment, despite a meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency next week aimed at persuading Tehran to maintain a freeze on the work.
The country’s top nuclear negotiator added that Iran’s decision to resume sensitive nuclear fuel work at its Isfahan plant is ”irrevocable” despite the threat of possible sanctions.
”We will in any event restart the Isfahan conversion plant,” Moussavian said.
The IAEA, the UN watchdog that has been investigating Iran’s nuclear programme since 2003, plans to meet next Tuesday to discuss the situation.
It could refer Iran to the UN Security Council for possible sanctions, but European diplomats said the purpose of the meeting is to warn off the Iranians from resuming fuel-cycle work. — Sapa-AFP