The telephone conversation took place immediately after Dr. Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the CFSF, and others, who are now visiting Teheran, had talks with Dr. Ali Larijani, Secretary of Supreme National Security Council, and Foreign Minister Mottaki.

Mr. Aso stated that because a new EU proposal on the nuclear issue of Iran has been made by major countries getting support from Japan, the US., China and Russia, Iran should take its significance seriously, study it thoroughly, and start negotiations, and that Iran should not miss an opportunity to talk with the U.S. Mr. Aso also reiterated that although no country denies Iran's right to use nuclear power for peaceful purposes, Iran needs to suspend uranium enrichment to restore the confidence of the international community, in light of past developments.

Mr. Aso stated that Iran should note that it would be developing countries that would be most affected by an unstable energy supply and that Japan intends to continue dialogue with Iran, being is ready to play its utmost role in resolving the issue peacefully and diplomatically.

Mr. Mottaki again invited Mr. Aso to Iran and highly praised the role played by Japan for a peaceful solution of the issue, referring to the consultations with the countries concerned held by Mr. Tsuneo Nishida, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, in Moscow and London.

Mr. Mottaki stated that consultations with Mr. Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the CFSF, and others were conducted in a friendly atmosphere and that though there is a question left concerning the right to the peaceful use of nuclear power, Iran would seriously study the comprehensive package-proposal. The Iranian Foreign Minister also said that confidence building should be bi-directional and that Iran is ready to solve the issue through peaceful negotiations with no precondition as he explained that at the foreign ministerial meeting of the NAM countries held in Malaysia, a statement was issued emphasizing Iran's right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

As to relations with the U.S., Mr. Mottaki said that if confidence building poses a problem, the side that deteriorates relations of trust should be blamed and that there is distrust of the U.S. in the international community.