IRANIANS ARE PEACE-LOVERS: PRESIDENT
Mehr News Agency
Oct 23 2007
Iran
TEHRAN, Oct. 23 (MNA) — Iran is a major upholder of peace in the
world and welcomes negotiations over its nuclear program, President
Mahmud Ahmadinejad said in Yerevan on Tuesday.
However, the president said, the Islamic Republic will never abandon
its absolute right to peaceful nuclear technology.
"We are in favor of talks but we will not negotiate with anyone about
our right to nuclear technology," Ahmadinejad told Iranian nationals
in Armenia. "Iran will not retreat one iota."
"We believe anyone who compromises over its rights (he) would lose
some parts of it."
U.S. President George W. Bush recently said Washington is ready to
hold talks with Iran if it stops its nuclear enrichment activities.
"Bush should better know that Iran is not in need of negotiations
with the U.S.," Ahmadinejad said in direct reference to Bush’s remarks.
The president insisted that the hegemonic powers must bow to the
Iranian nation’s legal rights.
The sanctions imposed on Iran have encouraged the Iranian nation to
make progress in various fields, he noted.
He described Iran’s relations with Armenia close and friendly and
called for further expansion of bilateral relations.