Weapon Program:
- Nuclear
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, Dr Hamidreza Assefi, on Monday said: The last respite the Islamic Republic of Iran grants the three big European countries (France, Germany and Britain) to propose their plan is today (Monday August 1, 2005). Sidelines of the conference titled "Iran`s Nuclear Technology; Symbol of Natioanl Will."
In response to a question posed by a foreign reporter as to "As an Iranian official, do you announce that today is the last respite for the Europeans?"
Dr Assefi said: Today is the last respite for the Europeans, and Iran will not grant any other respite for submitting of the comprehensive plan for implementation of Paris Agreement.
In response to another question as to "One of the speakers of the conference announced that Islam permits us to counter our enemies` use of nuclear weapons. Does this means that some of the religious authorities agree with use of nuclear arms?"
Dr Assefi said: In this context, the basis for our action is the verdict issued by Supreme Leader, Hazrat Ayatollah Khamenei, who has announced that use of nuclear weapons is 'haraam` (prohibited ).
Asked whether the religious authorities have different opinions on the said issue, Dr Assefi stipulated: There exists no difference of opinions in this regard, but however, our basis for action is the verdict issued by the Supreme Leader.
Asked whether 05 p.m. today is the last respite for the Europeans, Dr Assefi said: Don`t concentrate on a specific hour, because we cannot exactly say the hour is according to Tehran or other point, but the important thing is that today is the last respite for the Europeans.
Asked about the time for starting of the activity of UCF center in Isfahan, Dr Assefi said: The exact time for inception of the activities is not clear, and the said activities are due to get started after informing the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and presence of the Agency`s inspectors.
A foreign reporter said: "At present IAEA inspectors are in Tehran, therefore not much time will be left until the inception of activities in Isfahan."
Dr Assefi answered: We should however consider several hours of time needed for traveling to Isfahan where the activity in UCF center is due to get started.