Ali Larijani: U.S., West turned Iran nuclear program talks into showJuly 2, 2011 - 17:38 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States and other Western countries have turned the negotiations on Iran's nuclear program into a political show, Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said at a press-conference in Baku. "The U.S. and other Western countries have turned the talks into a political show, as they don’t understand their essence," Larijani said." We welcome the negotiations between Iran and Western countries." He said the negotiations should be conducted under conditions accepted by both parties, and the U.S. is using them as a tool to achieve its goals, Trend News reported. Iran’s nuclear program has caused concern since 2003, when the IAEA became aware of its concealed activity. In late 2003, Iran signed the Additional Protocol to the NPT and voluntarily announced about the suspension of uranium enrichment. However, it returned to this activity. Iran insists that as a party to the NPT it has the full right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. The enriched uranium can be used to produce nuclear weapons. However, it is necessary as fuel for atomic power plants. Several countries, including the U.S., are sure that Iran strives to develop nuclear weapons and call for the prevention of this development. Tehran has denied all charges, saying that its nuclear program has peaceful purposes. Until now, the UN Security Council adopted six resolutions to stop the nuclear program of Iran and the process of enriching uranium. Four of these resolutions provide economic sanctions against the country. Following a 14-month break, the talks on Iran's nuclear program between The Six (five UNSC permanent members - the United States, China, Russia, France, Great Britain - and Germany) and Iran took place in 2010 in Geneva in December. The next round of discussions took place in Istanbul on Jan. 21-22, 2011. Catherine Ashton chaired the meeting. After the Istanbul talks, Ashton stated that she is disappointed with the results of discussions held over Iran's nuclear program. 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 | 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. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |