Iran´s presidential hopeful to launch international consortium to enrich uranium in Iran

Source: Xinhua | 05-12-2009 10:20

TEHRAN, May 11 (Xinhua) -- An Iranian presidential hopeful said on Monday that he would launch an international consortium to enrich uranium in Iran, the local satellite Press TV reported.

He would establish an international consortium to enrich uranium on Iranian soil, Mohsen Rezaei, a principalist-conservative candidate for presidency and former military commander, was quoted as saying.

He would continue Iran's uranium enrichment within the framework of an international consortium, one that would include Washington, Russia, and European countries interested in the project, said Rezaee, also an Iranian politician.

"The bid would help address Western concerns over the nature of Iran's nuclear activities," he added.

He has criticized president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's economic and foreign policies as not successful.

A total of 475 applicants have already signed up for Iran's presidential election slated for June 12.

The four main candidates are incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, former Prime Minister Mir-Hossein Mousavi, former Parliament Speaker Mehdi Karroubi and former Revolutionary Guards chief Mohsen Rezaei.

Iran's Guardians Council will finalize the name list of those who can run for the presidency after screening the registered candidates. The final list is expected to come out on May 21. 　

Editor:Zheng Limin