Iran welcomes US report

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-06-2007 08:39

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is seen at a news conference after the opening of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Doha, December 3, 2007.  REUTERS/Fadi Al-Assaad

Iran has declared victory over the United States after the release of a US intelligence report, which says Iran halted its nuclear weapons program in 2003 due to international scrutiny and pressure.

But, US President George W. Bush said the report was a warning signal and insisted Iran's nuclear program remains a threat.

Tehran has welcomed the report. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad insists Iran's nuclear program has never had any military goals, and his country will press ahead with the program.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iranian President, said, "The report from the United States intelligence agencies was apparently aimed at solving the US government's problems and determined to help the US get out of the impasse which it is trapped in now. But in reality, the report was a declaration of victory for the Iranian nation against the world powers over the nuclear issue."

But US President George W. Bush asserts the report shows nothing has changed. Bush insists Iran's nuclear program remains a threat.

President Bush stands in front of Air Force One as he makes remarks about Iran during a visit to Omaha, Nebraska, December 5, 2007. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

George W. Bush, US President, said, "I believed before the NIE that Iran was dangerous and I believe after the NIE that Iran is dangerous. And I believe now it is time for the world to do the hard work necessary to convince the Iranians there is a better way forward."

Bush has reiterated his stance over Iran's nuclear issue and urged continued international pressure on Iran and diplomatic measures.

Some European countries say the US report will not ease Western pressure on Iran, but it could create conditions for nuclear talks with Iran.

Russia's foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, says the report will be a factor in deciding on sanctions.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei