Middle East News

Iran won't suspend nuclear work to improve ties with US

Feb 17, 2009, 19:50 GMT

Tehran - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Tuesday that Iran would not suspend its controversial nuclear enrichment programme for the sake of improving ties with the United States. 'We have already gone beyond the discussion of suspension (of uranium enrichment) and will decisively continue our (nuclear) path,' Ahmadinejad said in an interview with state television network IRIB. 'If the US wanted real changes then they should first ask themselves that who are we to interfere (in Iran's affairs and legitimate nuclear rights),' the president added in the interview. Since the inauguration of US President Barack Obama, Iran and the US appeared intent to end three decades of political estrangement and at least resume direct talks on Iran's nuclear programmes as well as the situation in Afghanistan and Iraq. Ahmadinejad, however, pointed out that although Iran was interested in 'adopting a realistic approach' towards the US, it would not make any concessions in the nuclear dispute for the sake of improving ties with Washington. 'I have recently had a one-and-a-half-hour talk with one of the prime ministers who urged me to show some flexibility on the (enrichment) suspension issue. All I said at the end was a simple no,' the president said, adding Iran needed to be strong and decisive in order to maintain its independence. Despite three United Nations Security Council resolutions and financial sanctions, Iran has so far declined to meet international demands to suspend its enrichment programme but said it was ready to guarantee the West that its nuclear programmes were peaceful and solely for civil and not military purposes. Ahmadinejad said Iran was still waiting to see what specific changes Obama intended to implement before taking a decision on the future of Iran-US ties. 'They (US) have to clarify what the changes specifically are by saying that was our policy in the past and this is going to be our new policy (in the future),' the president said. 'Not only us, but many other countries are eagerly waiting to see how these changes would be implemented in practice and if so, then we would also contribute our share within the new frameworks in line with our national interests,' Ahmadinejad added. Ahmadinejad said last week that Iran would be ready for talks with Obama's new administration and even join the global fight against terrorism under the condition that the talks be held in an atmosphere of respect, equality and justice.

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sic em, BHOFeb 17th, 2009 - 20:07:29

The clerics in Tehran better be careful or Obama will unleash his secret weapon.

To wit, Obama will kiss the asses of said clerics incessantly (and fervently) until they beg for mercy and agree to his terms.

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dogbiteFeb 17th, 2009 - 20:36:24

Iam all for Iran to be involved in a nuclear program! Ours, one nuclear mushroom after another...

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Calling 'Boy Wonder'Feb 17th, 2009 - 20:49:14

''... [Iran] would not make any concessions in the nuclear dispute ...''

Change THAT, Barack.

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Good for themFeb 17th, 2009 - 21:32:20

not everybody in the world kisses the US arse.

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SP4: that Full FeelingFeb 17th, 2009 - 21:37:56

...in the President's rectum....no, not Barney Frank...

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SP4: that Full FeelingFeb 18th, 2009 - 04:05:25

...in SP's rectum....no, not Barney Frank... it's SP's head

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--------BR--------Raised in New York City--------Feb 18th, 2009 - 20:01:54

Mr. Obama will be happy to appease you Mr. Ahmadinejad, absolutely!! No problem.......of course it would be fine if Iran went ahead with its threatening of Israel...not a problem....The Israelis are just now starting their new government and, sure, they will be happy to see you producing more 'weaponizable' uranium......I'm sure Mr. Netanyahu / Ms. Livni would also be happy to sit down and talk with you about Iranian goals for the future......feel free to tell your people thay can relax and keep on the current path you are taking for 'your share of the world's pie.' Go ahead and threaten as many nations as you'd like. The entire Free world is now eager to listen to you. (Don't bet on it Mahmoud!!!)...oh, and don't forget to keep a few extra sentries next to your bed at night ...for a while.

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TruthSeekerFeb 19th, 2009 - 00:46:51

(1) If nuclear weapons are bad for humanity (I presume that's why Iran shouldn't have them), why does the U.S. (and some other countries) have thousands of nuclear weapons?

(2) When did the U.S. acquire the right to dictate to other countries that they can't have nuclear weapons? Who granted that right to the U.S. (was it the Almighty God)?

(3) What evidence does the U.S. have that proves that Iran is developing nucleart weapons?

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