TEHRAN-BRUSSELS (AFP-EJP)---EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana on Saturday presented a new offer to Iran on ending the six-year standoff over its nuclear drive but Tehran once again rejected the proposal's key demand.
The package drawn up by six world powers seeks to resolve the concerns that Iran's nuclear programme raises with the international community and to enter into a normalised relationship with Iran in all areas, Solana’s office said.
The EU envoy -- who has warned not to expect "miracles" -- presented the offer during talks with Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki and the Secretary of the Iranian Supreme National Security Council, Saeed Jalili.
"Solana handed the proposal to Mottaki," said the statement.
"I am here in my capacity as the High Representative of the EU and I am also speaking on behalf of China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. I am in Tehran to present a generous and comprehensive offer which we would like to be the starting point for real negotiations. The proposal would allow Iran to develop a modern nuclear energy programme and is full of opportunities,” Solana said at a press conference after hepresented the proposals to the Iranian authorities.
He added: “We are ready to fully recognise Iran's rights to have nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. We are ready to cooperate with Iran in the development of a modern nuclear energy programme based on the most modern generation of light-water reactors."
"We offer legally binding fuel supply guarantees, or to work together in designing a system to provide these fuel guarantees. We can help Iran with the management of nuclear waste. We can support Iranian research and development, including in the nuclear field once confidence is being restored. If we can settle the core issue, the nuclear programme, the door would be open to cooperation in many other areas.”
The proposal is a "refreshed" version of an offer initially presented by Solana in June 2006 but for the first time the EU envoy will be handing offer a "policy" letter signed by the foreign ministers of all six powers.
Just hours into Solana's visit, Iran's government spokesman rejected the main condition of the offer -- that Tehran suspends uranium enrichment, a process that can be used to make a nuclear bomb.
"Iran's stance is clear. The precondition of a halt and suspension of nuclear activities cannot be brought up," Gholam Hossein Elham told reporters.
"If it exists (a demand for a suspension of enrichment) it cannot be considered at all. If the issue of suspension is relied upon, the (nuclear) issue will not change," said Elham.
He said Iran will make its decision "after a precise examination."
Expectations had already been low of a breakthrough, especially after repeated vows by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that Tehran will never back down.
The West warned that Tehran faces more sanctions from the United Nations and European Union if it does not freeze enrichment.
