Asefi: Iran Not Concerned if Nuclear Case Sent to UNSC

March 13, 2005

Weapon Program: 

  • Nuclear

Nuclear Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi here Sunday said Iran is not concerned over the possible referral of its nuclear case to the UN Security Council.

Addressing domestic and foreign reporters at his weekly press briefing, Asefi added Iran enjoys great potentials and capabilities to manage itself if its nuclear dossier is sent to the UN Security Council.

He stressed that Iran's talks with the European states have not met the country's expectations yet, saying "We should wait for the upcoming talks to be held on March 23. It is still early to reach a conclusion." The two sides have used conceptions including optimism and pessimism which contradict with the realities. None of the two conceptions are coordinated with the spirit of talks, he said.

"The issue of freezing enrichment is not raised. What is important is the way we can reach objective guarantees.

"The negotiations were extended due to their complication. This shows the sides do not intend to destroy the situation and are interested in obtaining results through talks," the spokesman further said.

Asked about possible sanctions against Iran, he said, "Such sanctions will put the country under pressure for a short time but will help Iran in the long run." In response to a question on US entrance in the nuclear talks, Asefi added, "If the United States enters the talks with its intentions, it will destroy the negotiations.

"The United States has raised a false consumption that Iran seeks nuclear weapons and based on this false consumption it presents solutions.

"The Unites States should first change its policy ... and respect the rights of the Iranian nation. Otherwise, the US presence in the talks will bear no fruit. Talks with the United States is not on our agenda at all."