JAPAN: Former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami defended his country's nuclear programme while addressing students in Tokyo

Former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami defended his country's nuclear ambitions on Friday (August 25, 2006), saying Iran had no intention of making nuclear weapons. Speaking at a symposium hosted by United Nations University in Tokyo, he said developing a nuclear programme it is a legitimate right for Iran to cope with a booming energy demand. "Iran has no intention of making nuclear weapons. Japan depends on nuclear energy for more than 30 percent of its energy demand. It is a larger number than that of France. The United States as well heavily depends on nuclear energy. I think utilizing the new technology is the right decision. As well as their right to do so, Iran has the right to utilize this technology," he said. "I have said and still say that the world, in order for it to become a safe, free and developed haven for all people, requires just and sustainable peace and accordingly dialogue is required in order for such peace to become indispensable to people's lives," he added. Khatami stressed that Iran's stance on peace remained unchanged. "Iran has never changed its stance for peace. Iranian people have never wanted war. I think the only thing that changed after the inauguration of the new government is the way of expression by the government," he said. The five permanent Security Council members -- the United States, China, Britain, France and Russia -- along with Germany have also offered a package of economic and technical incentives to help persuade Iran to renounce uranium enrichment. Russia, engaged in building a nuclear power plant in Iran, has consistently said sanctions would hinder diplomacy. Iran says it is enriching uranium as part of a nuclear programme intended to produce electricity. Western countries, led by the United States, accuse Iran of seeking a nuclear bomb. On Thursday (August 24) Khatami met with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to urge Japan to play an active role in resolving the nuclear deadlock through peaceful negotiation.

ITN Source | August 25, 2006

Tags:. .heavily. .demand. .active. .accordingly. .safe