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Iranians set for big powers talks Iranians set for big powers talks
(20 minutes later)
Iran is to hold talks next month with the six world powers dealing with the crisis over its nuclear programme.Iran is to hold talks next month with the six world powers dealing with the crisis over its nuclear programme.
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.
ANALYSIS By Paul Reynolds, BBC News There is a risk that these talks with Iran might simply confirm differences over Iran's nuclear programme not narrow them. It is not even clear whether Iran's nuclear programme will even be discussed.
The US had said it would raise the issue in any discussions but Iran has said the question is closed. Iran wants the talks to concentrate on a letter it sent the countries negotiating with it - the US, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany - in which it offered talks on global issues. Obviously these countries have felt they must respond.
This is in line with President Obama's offer of an "extended hand" to Iran. The fear among Western diplomats, though, is that Iran is playing for time and trying to put off the possibility of further economic sanctions. The only potentially hopeful sign is that Iran is sending its chief nuclear negotiator. Q&A: Iran and the nuclear issue
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''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.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."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.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.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.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.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.US President Barack Obama has given Tehran until the end of September to respond to his friendlier overtures or face new sanctions.