Iran again rules out talks on nuclear 'rights'
U.S. reportedly disappointed by Tehran's response to the willingness of the West to hold talks.
By Amir Oren, Haaretz Service and Barak Ravid Tags: Iran Barack Obama Iran nuclear Israel newsIran will not negotiate about its nuclear "rights," President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Sunday, after the United States said it would focus on the Islamic state's atomic activities in upcoming talks with Tehran.
Iran last week handed over a five-page proposal to the major powers, including the United States, in which Tehran said it was willing to discuss global nuclear disarmament as well as other international issues in wide-ranging talks.
But the document did not mention Iran's own nuclear program, which the West suspects is aimed at making bombs, and officials have made clear the issue will not be part of any discussions with the major powers.
"From the Iranian nation's viewpoint, [Iran's] nuclear case is closed," official media quoted Ahmadinejad as telling Britain's new ambassador to Tehran.
"Possessing peaceful nuclear technology is the Iranian nation's legal and definitive right and it will not hold discussions about its undeniable rights," he said.
But he added Iran was ready to talk about international cooperation to resolve global economic and security issues.
Iran has repeatedly said its nuclear program is for civil energy uses, not weapons.
The United States has said it would accept Iran's offer of wide-ranging talks despite Tehran's stated refusal to discuss its nuclear program, making clear it intended to raise the issue anyway.
"This may not have been a topic that they wanted to be brought up but I can assure that it's a topic that we'll bring up," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said on Saturday.
Six major powers -- the permanent U.N. Security Council members Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, as well as Germany -- offered Iran trade and diplomatic incentives in 2006 in exchange for a halt to uranium enrichment.
They improved the offer last year but retained the demand that Iran suspend uranium enrichment, something Tehran has ruled out as a precondition.
Ahmadinejad also told British Ambassador Simon Gass when he presented his credentials, that Iran had many "negative memories" about its ties with Britain, state broadcaster IRIB said.
"Of course our look is towards the future and expansion of ties and we hope that the British government has learnt from its past and is moving towards correcting its past actions," said the president, who often rails against the West.
U.S. disappointed by Iran response to dialogue offer
The United States was reportedly disappointed by the Iranian response to the willingness of the Western powers to open dialogue with it.
The Obama administration announced at the end of last week it was ready to begin such a dialogue.
The United States and the five other Western powers are said to want to start talks even before the United Nations General Assembly opens on September 23.
State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said Friday: "Now we are willing to meet with Iran. We hope to meet with Iran. We want to see serious engagement on the nuclear issue, in particular."
A senior government official in Jerusalem commented on the Iranian response, "Iran has spat in the face of the United States and the world."
Iran delivered its response to foreign diplomats in Tehran on Wednesday, which was released publicly on the non-profit Web news site ProPublica Friday morning.
Israel received a copy of the response a few hours earlier.
American officials reportedly told Israel they were disappointed by the document. A senior government official in Jerusalem said, "The Iranians didn't leave even a shred to move ahead with. There will be talks, but it seems the time has come to move to paralyzing sanctions against Iran.
Iran said it was ready to embark on comprehensive, all-encompassing and constructive negotiations "to lay the groundwork for lasting peace and regionally inspired and generated stability for the region and beyond."
Iran called for a world free of weapons of mass destruction. However, the document ignored the demand from six Western states for a freeze on uranium enrichment. Iran insists its nuclear production is strictly for peaceful, non-military use.
While the Iranian document does not mention Israel, it calls for efforts "to draw up a comprehensive, democratic and equitable plan to help the people of Palestine to achieve all-embracing peace."
The U.S. representative in the dialogue with Iran will be American Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Bill Burns, who met once with the Iranians at the end of the Bush administration.
Deputy Foreign Minister Daniel Ayalon, who is to arrive in Washington Sunday, will meet with Burns to discuss the Iranian issue.
Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz is also to meet with American officials this week in Washington on the Iranian issue, particularly with Under Secretary of the Treasury Stuart Levey, who is responsible for formulating new sanctions against Iran.
Senior U.S. administration officials told the New York Times over the weekend they had little expectation of success from talks with Iran.
The French Foreign Ministry said the Iranian document did not constitute a response to the proposal to open talks on its nuclear program.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, however, called the document a step forward and rejected the possibility of further sanctions against Iran.
Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates declared his opposition Friday to an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. Speaking to a group of 50 American scholars, community leaders and other civilians at the Pentagon, Gates said the best response to Iranian attempts to attain nuclear weapons was dialogue.
"There's a lot of talk about a military effort to take out their nuclear capabilities, but, in my view, it would only be a temporary solution.
You could buy one to three years by doing that, but they would simply go deeper and more covert, and it would unify the country and their commitment,"
Gates told the group, which was preparing for a tour of U.S. military facilities in South and Central America.
Gates also told his guests that the Iranian nuclear issue is one of the greatest problems the world has faced in years, and it could touch off a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. He said the only long-term solution is to persuade the Iranian regime that "their long-term security interests are diminished by having nuclear weapons, rather than enhanced."
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Iran FM Manouchehr Mottaki, right, presenting Iran's package of proposals for talks with the West to the French, Russian and the Swiss ambassadors. |
| Photo by: (AP) |
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This is another sold out, "hook line and sinker" concocted story by the US and its allies to have another excuse to go to war against Iran. The US is bankrupt and is controlled by the "BANKERS" running their country to a have a "controlled" demolition internally and externally to create a scenario of "CHAOS" so that they will enrich themselves to establish "ORDER". IN CHAOS THERE IS ORDER, is their motto. An ORDER to use their weapons to make money (weapons manufacturers in the US, happening ever since all wars they've supplied around the globe). An ORDER to construct a new government in "CONQUERED" places by the US and its allies. An ORDER to "PLUNDER" the natural resources (oil, gold, etc.) and seize all the assets and treasures therein. An ORDER to "RECONSTRUCT" all the facilities they have destroyed and appear to be humanitarian in the process while enriching themselves in all the constructive efforts. There is much more. Please wake up and smell the coffee.
You asked for proof of Iran's threats in another forum, I supplied the following then and do it again now It's not of "Supposedly", it's "FACTUALLY" Iran did make the threats, as reported by respected media "http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,484958,00.html May 25, 2007 Ahmadinejad Threatens Israel with Destruction Iran's president is at it again, threatening Israel with destruction should it intervene in Lebanon again. The bellicosity comes as the UN nuclear watchdog warns that Iran may be as little as three years away from a nuclear weapon. It's hardly surprising any more when Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad threatens Israel with destruction. It wasn't so long ago that he suggested the country be moved to Alaska. Or just wiped off the map. But in a Thursday speech at Isfahan broadcast on state television, he issued a threat more direct than any that had come before. If Israel, he said, were to go to war against Lebanon again this summer, it would be destroyed. "If this year you repeat the same mistake of the last year," the Iranian president intoned, "the ocean of nations of the region will get angry and will cut the root of the Zionist regime from its stem." The speech came just hours after a report by the UN's nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warning that Iran's ongoing enrichment of uranium meant that the country could have a nuclear bomb within three to eight years Vol XXXVI (No. 7), 27 Jul 2008 Iranian President vows to quit UN and wipe out Israel MIL/Agencies, Apr 25, 2006. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad repeated his vow that Iran would wipe out Israel off the world map. He continued to say "We cannot allow this fake regime of Israel to exist any more." . In wide-ranging remarks, Ahmadinejad said yesterday that Israel was an artificial state that could not continue to exist. He repeated his remarks that Iran would wipe out Israel from the world map. "Some 60 years has passed since the end of World War II, why should the people of Germany and Palestine pay now for a war in which the current generation was not involved," Ahmadinejad told a press conference. The Iranian president has long campaigned against Israel, saying last October that the Jewish state should be "wiped off the map." He has said Europe should better find home for Israelis, whom Iran would not allow to live on the Palestinian land. "Open the doors (of Europe) and let the Jews go back to their own countries," the president said on Monday. http://www.internationalreporter.com/news/read.php?id=1264
do you think you are re-writing the article. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....
Her economy is in poorer shape that the United States, the last thing she wants or can afford is a new war Meanwhile, down in Harpers Ferry WV, there waiting for you to come and hang around
Seems Iran didn't like his show of affection Obama will continue to talk and make overtures, Iran will spin their centrifuges faster
The "world" will do with Iran what was done with Saddam when you Aussies are ready to put half a million boots on the ground and when the Chinese put another half a million and Israel is ready to put 100,000 on the ground. Just leave the US out of it.
Looks like the drama will be back for the fall season. With a new cast and a revamped storyline. Even A.Q. Khan may make a cameo appearance. The season premier opens at the UN.... and what a show it will be. But don't expect high prospects or critical acclaim. Even if the Axis of Evil will have a headlining role. Or if the Emirs are portrayed as the victims in this saga. Of course, little Israel is cast as the agent provocateur and the US as the existential force. The plot revolves around atomic Ayatollah's quest of a nuclear Genie. So let the Herculean farce begin.
in the Kavir Lut Desert between Tehran and the Afghan Border. It was built by experts who attended the nuclear test in North Korea during May. They recently added more centrifuges that will produce plutonium. Plutonium is NOT NEEDED TO RUN A NUCLEAR REACTOR!! So what does Iran need with this ingredient? It has few uses, except it is great to increase the yield of a nuclear warhead! If this doesn't prove to everyone that Iran is building a warhead, nothing will. They are going to hold Israel hostage, saying leave Israel or we will destroy it.
when is the world going to wake up and do with Ahmadinerjacet and the Ayatolahs the same think what they did with Hussain, it's the same story only different names, what are you waiting for? if you don't wont to do it for the world, do it for the Iranian people.
Obama is new at this. He is learning. He will get it.
iran has never threatened israel in which it is suuposedly said "we will wipe israel off the map", what he said was "israel will disapear from the map in time", why? because we can all see that it is going to implode, as for starting a nuclear war, tell me ryan, if someone stole you car, what would you do?.
you want all of palestine too peter, but you can't have it both ways either, whats good for the goose is good for the gander, i'm glad you don't play chess, because you would have been check mate a million times over.
Iiran keeps on threatening that they're going to USE THEIR NUKES as soon as they get one up and running
Economy is in the dumps Unemployment is rising Housing forecloosures increasing Lot's of problems with his Obama Health Plan And now Obama can't save what little face he has left by getting Iran to talk to him I won't even mention "ACORN",you can read about them on your own
Now they've rejected his aplogy, they won't even talk to him What a shame!!!
Harpers Ferry America didn't want your advice then and doesn't need it now Have a swinging good time
Has anyone noticed why the Swiss ambassador -a western woman- is being (politely I guess)forced to wear a headcover?? Are Iranian ambassadors in any Western country forced to wear anything according to local customs? Can you imagine the Iranian ambassador wearing a skirt in Scotland? Or more simply, a woman ambassador from Iran (are there any??) without a headcover??
Could there be any clearer exposure of the utter stupidity of Obama's "engagement" policy re Iran? And these are the folks who think they can solve the Palestinian Gordian knot!
Just a guess, but the US Ambassador to the talks will probably be somebody with diplomatic skills and probably some Farsi speaking capability. Dennis Ross may end up as back up, too. Then we'll see how long it takes to shape the table and what shape the table ends up. Meanwhile, the "Birthers" and "Deathers" and "Tenthers" and "Teabaggers" and secessionists will be pushing their agendas in the US. These people make the "Birchers" look rational. So we'll see in some time what happens, if anything.
Is what the title should really read
Hugo Chavez has agreed to supply Iran with gasoline and other commodities. If America attempts to disrupt the gasoline supply line by sinking Venezuelan tankers, Russia will retaliate by attacking American warships and submarines.
Exactly the right thoughts about Netanyahu. I understand his wishes to not give in on any issue without the other side giving something in return: that's the nature of negotiations. But here it applies to negotiating with Abbas. Once America is involved, it's a mistake to start splitting hairs with Obama over 9 vs 12 months building freeze. For God's sake, despite all the right-wing-turned Jews out there, america and Obama are Israel's best friend in the world (anyone who disagrees, name a country that's a better friend. btw, best means non better, doesn't mean perfect), why argue over 3 months. it makes it more difficult for US to help
Israel used to be a partner for US oil acquisitions in Middle East. Now it will have to be Iran. EU is in agreement. Why Israel find itself unprepared for this development is a mystery - unless Likud misjudged how fast public opinion and power/policy shifts happen in US. Some people were not reading US political history carefully, in the rush for backdoor power and cash envelopes.
US has decided to play into Iran's hands in exchange for help in Iraq/Afganistan. All the rest of the talk is PR stunt to keep Israel obfuscated. Netanyahu still has the choice to get into the loop and affect some decisions - or stick with settlers and forgo Israel's seat.
N. Korea, Pakistan, England, France, Russia, China, India, America. I think that is it. That is 8 countries. So why not Iran? Well, Iran could have nukes. But because it's leader said it wishes to wipe Israel off the map and he said he wishes to destroy Israel I think he should first make peace with Israel and then get nukes. Otherwise maybe he will destroy Israel with nukes. So Ahmadimajad should fly to Israel and make peace, then Israel will be assured he is a friend.
'Obama is being slapped in the face by both countries.' Yeah -- but at least we give three billion dollars a year to only one of them.
Iran will become covert if more pressure is applied, in case of an attack..! Now, really, how silly. "Iran is already covert", Mr. Gates.! Nobody has any idea of how far or deep their actual program is. One can even doubt whether Iran trusts the Russians, other than stringing them along with false assurances, since they have no religious compatability with said nation. Mr.Lavrov may be vaguely correct on his assumptions. Then again, Russia cannot expect Iranian missiles flying into downtown Moscow in the near future. In fact neither can Geneve. Tel Aviv,Haifa or Beersheba is another story. The terrifying spectacle of mushroom clouds over Israel will simply not happen. It appears that Israel plans to proceed Post Haste with its own plans. Far too much smoke, there is. A fire is burning somewhere.!
...However, if not successful, and meanwhile Iran continues to build the bomb, the next step can't be anymore sanctions as there won't be any time left. So,... only military action would remain, short of raising the hands.
Obama's a LOSER! America's all gone!
When is the last time Israel threatened to remove Iran from planet earth? The extremist leadership, or MUSLIMS in the middle east for that matter, cannot and will not be reasoned with. It is sad, but you either kill all of them or Israel will in fact have a nuclear war on its hands in the future.
to do with talks on its nuclear program is the same that Israel wants to do with talks on the establishment of a Palestinians state: talk, talk, talk, talk, while you establish facts on the ground. Obama is being slapped in the face by both countries.
.. so what should they be disappointed about??
Put off the ongoing Nuclear activities in Iran U.N. monitored of course. Put U.N. personel in charge of Israel military to appease Iran. In the meantime both have boughten time for PEACE TALKS
Is the "senior official" who says Iran has spat in America's face a senior official of the American govt. or of the Israeli govt.?
while building a bomb? Keep wanting.
o wow really?thxs for the info as if i didnt tell n did not know?now thats a big loss that to in straight sets?i hope n pray all those who support evil n evil doers loose big in the same way?inshallah(ameen)
Although the Police do not see it that way. after they've commited a series of crimes, lol.
OK, Get the Russians and their volka. And every other country And lets all sit down at a very long table. Your PERMITTED to slap very hard, BUT, it is not permitted to use nuclear missles
Well,, they bought their guns with their own hard earned cash didnt they? We arn't mentioning HOW they earned it. NOR, we mentioning they abuse use of their guns.
and see what the response will be, iran has every right to protect itself 100%.
The Iranian leadership wants to either nuke Israel or use their nuclear weapons as leverage to make life a living hell for Israel. Why in the hell is everyone TALKING about this? What the hell is going on? Am I the only one who is feeling a sense of panic here?
As I am sure Gates realises, a temporary solution to an urgent problem is infinitely better than no solution at all.
Just like they dialogued North Korea right into the creation and production of? This is certainly troublesome.