President-elect: Iran ready for more transparency on nuke programJune 17, 2013 - 17:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran is ready to show more transparency on its nuclear program, President-elect Hassan Rouhani said, according to BBC News. In his first news conference since the vote, Rouhani also described as unfair sanctions imposed on the country over the issue. And he said Tehran would not suspend its uranium enrichment activities. The West suspects Iran of trying to build nuclear weapons. Tehran says its program is solely for peaceful purposes. At the news conference, which covered a wide range of issues, Rouhani also said his government would work towards "constructive interaction with the world". He thanked Iranians for "choosing moderation", saying he would not forget his election promises. Rouhani, a long-standing political figure in Iran, won just more than 50% of the vote in the election, avoiding a run-off vote. Iran's president has limited powers, with key policy decisions being taken by the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "Our nuclear programs are completely transparent," Rouhani told a packed hall in the capital Tehran. "But we are ready to show greater transparency and make clear for the whole world that the steps of the Islamic Republic of Iran are completely within international frameworks." But he stressed that he would oppose halting Iran's uranium enrichment - a key stumbling block in the continuing talks between Tehran and world powers. Last month, the UN nuclear watchdog said Iran had installed hundreds of new centrifuges at its Natanz plant. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) again expressed concern about the "possible military dimensions" of Iran's nuclear program. But it said there had not been much growth of the most sensitive nuclear material - uranium enriched to 20%. Iran has been the target of four rounds of UN sanctions and numerous UN Security Council resolutions calling on it to cease enrichment work. Israel has threatened to carry out air strikes on its long-time foe if its enrichment activities do not stop. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |