Iran ready to talk on int'l issues but not on nuclear right: president

TEHRAN, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Sunday that Iran is ready to talk on international issues, but not on its nuclear program, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

"We are ready to talk about the international cooperation, to resolve the global economic and security issues. We believe that such issues will not be solved without the collective cooperation," Ahmadinejad said after he received the credentials of new British ambassador to Iran Simon Gass.

However, "to possess a peaceful nuclear technology is Iranians' inalienable and legal right, and Iranians will not negotiate on their inalienable right with anybody," the president said.

To initiate the suspended talks with six major powers on global issues, Iran handed over its new package of proposals on Wednesday.

Iran has constantly said these proposals contain its concern over the global issues and respect the views of other nations.

U.S. President Barack Obama has said Iran's new package is an opportunity to resume the talks.

According to Iranian officials, Iran's disputed nuclear issue is already over and Iran will not return to talks over the finished issue.

The United States and other Western countries claim that Iran intends to secretly develop nuclear weapons. The UN Security Council also requires Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment activity.

Iran, however, insists that its nuclear plan is only for peaceful purposes, vowing to continue its uranium enrichment activity despite pressure and sanctions from Western countries.