Schroeder: Iran’s proposal for intl. nuclear consortium must be pursued
Tehran Times Political Desk

TEHRAN -- Former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder on Saturday welcomed a proposal by Iran to establish an international consortium for producing nuclear fuel inside Iran, saying the proposal should be studied as an “international nuclear plan”.

In a meeting with Iranian Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani, Schroeder said, “Iran’s proposal for establishing an atomic consortium is acceptable and it should be pursued as an international nuclear plan.”

He also said Iran plays an important and influential role in regional and international developments.

“It is not fair if we do not value Iran’s positive and constructive role in Afghanistan,” he explained.

He added that Iran’s important status in the region is clear to all.

The former German leader also said Iran and Germany have not completely tapped their potential for cooperation.

“In light of the current international situation, it is now time that economic and trade cooperation between the European Union and countries like Iran is expanded.”

Referring to his fierce opposition to the U.S.-led war on Iraq, he said the world should wait to see a change in U.S. policies under President Barack Obama.

He added that there is a view in the world that in order to resolve regional problems, it is necessary to invite Iran to play a constructive role.

He also said it was a mistake to neglect Hamas and blasted efforts to isolate it.

It is “necessary” to engage this party to find a solution to the Palestine issue, he insisted.

Larijani urges EU to adopt independent approach

For his part, Larijani urged the European Union to adopt an independent approach toward international issues.

Larijani criticized the European Union for removing the Mojahedin Khalq Organization from the bloc’s terrorist list.

The EU removed the group from its terrorist list in January.

Some countries divide terrorists into two categories, “good terrorists” and “bad terrorists”, the Majlis speaker told Schroeder.

Larijani also expressed hope that the new U.S. administration would not repeat the mistakes of the previous U.S. government.

Efforts needed to solve humanity’s problems

Schroeder and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad also exchanged views on regional and international developments on Saturday.

Ahmadinejad said humanity’s problems can be resolved through strong-willed international efforts.

“The problems of humanity must be resolved through strong-willed international cooperation and coordination,” Ahmadinejad told Schroeder.

The former German chancellor, who is currently in Iran, also held talks with Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki on Saturday

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