Iran, Turkey stress strengthening ties, discuss N-issue

In the meetings they stressed the expansion of ties and discussed the issues surrounding Iran's nuclear program including a nuclear offer presented to Iran by Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States and Germany.

The Turkish foreign minister presented a message from the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Ahmadinejad. In his joint press conferences with Mottaki and Larijani and in his meetings with Ahmadinejad and Rafsanjani the Turkish top diplomat stated that his country would like to see a negotiated settlement to Iran's nuclear standoff with the West.

President Ahmadinejad called for the expansion of Iran-Turkey ties in all fields, saying that the historical ties between Iran and Turkey and the two countries' common views on various issues have prepared the grounds for the development of ties between the two neighboring, brotherly and Muslim nations.

Referring to the important role of two countries in the region and the world, he noted that Tehran and Ankara should make proper use of the current potentials to expand ties in regional and international issues.

Ahmadinejad expressed gratitude over Turkey's support for Iran's legitimate right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. It is essential to keep the international atmosphere calm in order to make proper decisions, he said.

"By keeping the atmosphere calm, all sides involved in the nuclear issue can help the current positive process continue; in this way, Iran and the West can conduct better and more fruitful negotiations aimed at reaching a mutual understanding."

The president noted that Iran has always welcomed fair and unconditional talks, adding that the Islamic Republic will study the nuclear proposal of the 5+1 group with a positive approach and in line with its national interests.

"We will probably give a response in August."

Ahmadinejad underlined the necessity for consultation between Tehran and Ankara to help promote peace and stability in Iraq.

"Iraq's neighbors can help build a developed and prosperous country by supporting the new Iraqi government," he added.

The Turkish top diplomat stated that Ankara is of the opinion that all countries including Iran have absolute right to use nuclear technology for civilian purposes.

"Iran's outstanding policies forced Western countries to change their threatening tone towards Tehran and return to the negotiation table," the Turkish minister noted.

Turkey could bridge Iran and the West, says Larijani

Turkey could serve as a bridge between Iran and the West over Iran's nuclear issue, Larijani said. The SNSC secretary called his one-hour talks with the Turkish minister positive, saying, "Turkey is playing the role of an advisor for different countries and has the capacity to bridge Iran and the West very well."

Tehran is seriously studying the package of proposals presented to Iran, he told reporters.

Larijani voiced optimism Iran's nuclear standoff will be resolved through negotiation.

Asked whether Iran will respond to the proposals by August 22, he said the responsible committees' work is time-consuming.

"We will announce the decision as soon as we come to a conclusion," he explained.

Rafsanjani said negotiation is the only way to reach a compromise on Iran's nuclear standoff with the West.

"A compromise will not be farfetched in a logical, equal, and tension-free atmosphere, and while the views of both sides are respected," Rafsanjani told Abdullah Gul.

Iran aims to use nuclear energy for peaceful and scientific purposes and opposes any country that uses it for military ends, he added.

The Islamic Republic is quite aware of Turkey's efforts to create a calm atmosphere in the region, the EC chairman noted.

Mottaki called for expansion of economic, trade, and investment cooperation with Turkey, the press department of the Foreign Ministry reported.

"Tehran and Ankara should give priority to implementing the agreements signed by the countries," Mottaki said during his meeting with the Turkish foreign minister.

Iran wants to step up cooperation with Turkey in line with the two countries' common interests, he added.

Mottaki told Gul that Tehran is seriously studying the nuclear package.

Mottaki called the 5+1 group offer a "step forward" despite its ambiguities.

The Turkish foreign minister said Iran and Turkey have many affinities and continued consultations will benefit the two neighbors.

The recent exchange of visits by senior officials of the two countries show that they are determined to strengthen bilateral ties, Gul said.

Tehran and Ankara are keen to boost cooperation in the economic and commercial spheres and in the campaigns against drug trafficking and terrorism, Gul explained.

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