TEHRAN (AFP) - Iran's top nuclear official said that Tehran could consider continuing the suspension of uranium enrichment as demanded by European states amid efforts to end a standoff over its nuclear programme.
"The European proposal for an unlimited suspension of uranium enrichment can be implemented, provided it does not contradict the Islamic republic's criteria," chief nuclear negotiator Hassan Rowhani said, state television reported.
Three European states presented Iran with a deal Thursday under which Tehran would receive valuable nuclear technology if it indefinitely suspended all uranium enrichment activities, a key stage in the nuclear fuel cycle.
Rowhani said Tehran would continue cooperating with the international community but insisted that European nations must recognise its right to civilian nuclear technology, according to the official IRNA news agency.
"We are going to carry out any necessary action to create confidence... because we do not want to worry the world unnecessarily," Rowhani said. "But the Europeans must accept that our red lines and national rights cannot be violated."
His comments came a day after Iranian officials rejected the European demands that it halt all uranium enrichment activities and described the proposal as "unbalanced."
10/25/2004 - 11:30 GMT - AFP