Reuters: Iran's proposal for negotiations with world powers urges cooperation to stabilise the Middle East but makes clear Tehran would not give up nuclear activity as they demand, according to the text obtained by Reuters.
VIENNA (Reuters) – Iran's proposal for negotiations with world powers urges cooperation to stabilise the Middle East but makes clear Tehran would not give up nuclear activity as they demand, according to the text obtained by Reuters.
Diplomats who read the proposal said it ignored global concerns about Iran's uranium enrichment programme, as demanded by the West, and therefore was likely to be of little use in defusing the Islamic Republic's standoff with major powers.
Iran's ambassador to the European Union, who handed the proposal to EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana on Tuesday, said in Brussels on Wednesday that it had taken "a wider approach, beyond the nuclear issue".
Entitled "The Islamic Republic of Iran's Proposed Package for Constructive Negotiations" and running to just over two pages, the proposal emerged as six big powers were finalising revisions to a batch of incentives to Iran not to pursue enrichment.
Iran's proposals dwelled on cooperation in fighting "common security threats" like terrorism, "militarism", drugs and organised crime; alleviating poverty and inequality; fostering trade and investment; and sharing of energy for development.
It said steps should focus on the Middle East, where there should be "a sustainable, democratic and fair" solution for the Palestinians — in conflict with Israel for 60 years — and in the Balkans, Africa and Latin America.
