Khatami defends Iran nuclear right

United Press International: Iranian President Mohammed Khatami Monday insisted his country has a right to possess nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
The official Iranian News Agency, IRNA, quoted him as asking, “Why would the Iranian people be deprived of the right to be capable and strong?” United Press International

Tehran, Iran – Iranian President Mohammed Khatami Monday insisted his country has a right to possess nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

The official Iranian News Agency, IRNA, quoted him as asking, “Why would the Iranian people be deprived of the right to be capable and strong?”

He charged the controversy over Iran’s possession of nuclear technology “indicates the extent of moral decadence in the world” and accused the international community of “intrigue and arrogance.

“Iran is committed to all international treaties on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction,” Khatami said. “The possession of nuclear weapons will never be part of Iran’s policies, on the contrary we oppose that.”