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Iran Prepared to Ease Concerns Over Nuclear Program
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(http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=EE3CB8:3919ACA

Iranian nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani made statement after talks
with Pakistani leaders in Islamabad Iran has reiterated its
determination to develop nuclear technology for peaceful uses, saying
it is prepared to remove international concerns over its nuclear
program. The country's chief nuclear negotiator made the statement
after talks with Pakistani leaders in Islamabad.







Iranian nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani, left, shakes hands with
Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz prior to a meeting in Islamabad,
Pakistan, WednesdayAli Larijani's visit to Pakistan is part of
Tehran's efforts to build support against growing pressure over its
nuclear program. Mr. Larijani is Iran's lead delegate in negotiations
with European nations over its nuclear ambitions.

Speaking to reporters after his meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister
Shaukat Aziz, the Iranian official said his country wants to promote
the peaceful use of nuclear energy under the rules of United Nations
International Atomic Energy Agency or IAEA. But Mr. Larijani
reiterated that pressure or the use of force will not deter Iran from
developing a peaceful nuclear program.

"One thing is important that we will not have any hesitation to have
nuclear technology," he said. "Having said (stated) this principle
that definitely we are determined to have nuclear technology … we are
fully prepared to have any negotiation, discussion to remove the
international concerns."

He says he is confident that a new initiative from Iran's President
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's will help assure the international community of
the peaceful nature of Tehran's nuclear activities. Mr. Larijani,
however, did not expand on what that initiative contained.

Pakistani Prime Minister Aziz reiterated to Mr. Larijani that
Islamabad opposes "coercive measures" against Iran over its nuclear
program. An official statement quotes him as saying that Pakistan
opposes nuclear weapons proliferation but it believes every country
has the right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes under the
IAEA regulations.

Pakistan is not a member of the IAEA and has developed nuclear weapons
of its own. The top scientist in its weapons program is believed to
have sold nuclear technology to several countries, including Iran,
Libya and North Korea.

The IAEA last week confirmed that Iran has resumed uranium conversion,
one of several activities previously suspended under a deal with
France, Britain and Germany.

The disclosure raises the prospect that the European Union will
support the United States in pushing for Iran to be referred to the
U.N Security Council for punitive action.

Washington suspects that Iran's clandestine nuclear program is
primarily meant for developing weapons.