Manouchehr Mottaki: "Iran willing to discuss suspension of nuclear enrichment"

"Iran is willing to discuss the suspension of our nuclear activities with the European states," Mottaki told reporters after meeting with his visiting Malian counterpart Mokhtar Ouan.

"Even it is not logical for them to demand a suspension of our nuclear activities, we can still discuss it," Mottaki said.

On June 6, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana presented Iran with a package agreed on by the United States, Russia, China, France, Britain, and Germany concerning the Iranian nuclear issue.

The proposal includes both incentives aimed at persuading Iran to suspend uranium enrichment and possible sanctions if Iran does not comply. Iran has promised to give an official response by Aug.22.

"Iran have reiterated that it will be ready to negotiate with the Europeans on all questions and ambiguities (of the six-nation package)," Mottaki said.

The chief Iranian diplomat stressed that the most effective way to solve the Iran nuclear issue would be holding negotiations that would safeguard Iran's rights and remove Europe's concerns over Iran's peaceful nuclear program.

But Iran would "never give up its inalienable rights under any circumstances," Mottaki stressed.

/Xinhua/