DAR AL HARB/ISLAM - THE WEST/IRAN: "ANY APPROACH OUTSIDE THE FRAMEWORK OF DIPLOMATIC NEGOTIATIONS COULD NOT SETTLE THE NUCLEAR DISPUTE"

Tehran says US approach cannot settle nuclear dispute

Tehran - The uncompromising approach by the United States toward the dispute over Iran's nuclear programmes cannot lead to a settlement of the issue, ISNA news agency quoted the Iranian government as saying Tuesday.

Speaking to the ISNA, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Mehdi Mostafavi said any approach outside the framework of diplomatic negotiations could not settle the nuclear dispute.

His remarks came in response to the rejection by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice of reports that European officials had adopted a more conciliatory stance towards Iran and might rethink full uranium enrichment suspension as condition for resuming talks.

Rice stressed that Iran's cessation or suspension of enrichment was the main demand and was still backed by the Europeans.

Mostafavi said however 'we see no reason to fulfil this demand and will not accept suspension,' We however support the course of negotiations with the relevant sides for increasing trust.'

The official said Iran would also continue cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and allow them to inspect the country's nuclear sites.

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1) Tehran says US approach cannot settle nuclear dispute