This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/8254344.stm
The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Iranian nuclear talks next month | Iranian nuclear talks next month |
(31 minutes later) | |
Iran is to hold talks next month on its nuclear programme with the six world powers dealing with the crisis. | Iran is to hold talks next month on its nuclear programme with the six world powers dealing with the crisis. |
The talks are due to start on 1 October and at an as yet undecided venue. | The talks are due to start on 1 October and at an as yet undecided venue. |
Last week, Tehran offered "comprehensive" talks on disarmament issues, but made no direct mention of its own nuclear programme. | Last week, Tehran offered "comprehensive" talks on disarmament issues, but made no direct mention of its own nuclear programme. |
In response, the US said it was ready to "test Iran's willingness to engage", while stressing that the offer did "not address our nuclear concerns". | In response, the US said it was ready to "test Iran's willingness to engage", while stressing that the offer did "not address our nuclear concerns". |
The UK, China, France, Russia and the US, the five permanent Security Council members, and Germany have had a longstanding offer of diplomatic and economic incentives to Iran if it agrees to suspend uranium enrichment. | The UK, China, France, Russia and the US, the five permanent Security Council members, and Germany have had a longstanding offer of diplomatic and economic incentives to Iran if it agrees to suspend uranium enrichment. |
Iran has always insisted that its nuclear programme is for civilian purposes only. | Iran has always insisted that its nuclear programme is for civilian purposes only. |
It is under UN sanctions for refusing to end uranium enrichment activities, and is widely suspected of seeking to develop the technology to build a nuclear weapon. | It is under UN sanctions for refusing to end uranium enrichment activities, and is widely suspected of seeking to develop the technology to build a nuclear weapon. |
'Non-negotiable' | |
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Sunday that Iran is ready to discuss global issues with world powers, but that its nuclear programme was non-negotiable. | |
This line was repeated by Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Hassan Qashqavi on Monday: "The Iranian nation will not debate its right to have nuclear technology. But as mentioned in its proposed package one of the topics we will discuss relates to alleviating the concerns over the nuclear issue." | |
On Wednesday 9 September, a five-page Iranian proposal was submitted to the group of six global powers negotiating over its nuclear enrichment programme. | |
In it, Tehran offers to hold "comprehensive, all-encompassing and constructive" negotiations on a range of security issues, including global nuclear disarmament. | |
But the document makes no mention of Iran's own nuclear programme. | |
Correspondents say the various parties involved are making their positions clear ahead of the UN General Assembly later this month. | |
US President Barack Obama has given Tehran until the end of September to respond to his friendlier overtures or face new sanctions. |