Iran: No legal basis to western pressure to cease nuclear plan

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-19-2007 09:12

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini is seen in Tehran in this February 12, 2007 file photo. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini has warned the UN Security Council not to pass a new round of sanctions against Tehran. He says cooperation between Iran and the IAEA will be destroyed and also claims western pressure on Tehran to stop uranium enrichment has no legal basis.

Hosseini says reports by IAEA Director General Mohamed Elbaradei have confirmed all positions taken by Iran in the past four years were "logical, correct and transparent." He advises world countries to take a rational approach toward Iran, and not sanctions.

Hosseini said, "If another resolution is passed against Iran, it will have a negative impact on the modality plan and cooperation between Iran and the IAEA."

Ali Hosseini says Iran will cooperate with the IAEA, but stresses Iran is not willing to negotiate on the suspension of uranium enrichment.

Elbaradei released a report Thursday stating Iran has made some progress in revealing the extent of its nuclear program, but still refuses to halt enrichment activities which defies a UN resolution.

The report prompted Washington to call for a new round of UN sanctions to press Tehran to stop uranium enrichment.

The US and other Western countries fear Iran may try to develop atomic bombs under a civilian cover. But Tehran insists its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful purposes.

Editor:Du Xiaodan