TEHRAN – In a statement released on Wednesday Iran officially announced it welcomes “constructive and fair” talks on its nuclear program with the 5+1 group.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran ... welcomes constructive and fair talks based on mutual respect and cooperation, and believes current problems could be resolved through dialogue,"" the statement said.
It said Iran will continue its nuclear activities in “active collaboration” with the International Atomic Energy Agency “within the framework of the NPT like other members”.
The statement was Tehran’s response to the United States, Russia, China, France, Germany and Britain which on April 8 said they would ask European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana to invite Iran to a new round of talks over the country’s nuclear issue.
Iran criticized some points included in the six countries’ statement on April 8, saying some points mentioned in the statement are reminiscent of a dual approach of the previous carrot and stick policy which its inefficiency has been proven.
“Iranian people consider terms such as ‘two-track strategy’ in violation of mutual respect and dialogue in fair atmosphere,” it said.
Speaking in a gathering of people in Kerman last week, President Ahmadinejad announced that Iran is drawing up a new package of proposals based on the new conditions. He said the proposal will guarantee peace and justice in the entire world.
Last June Solana handed Iran a package in which it promised some incentives if Tehran ceases its nuclear enrichment program. However, Iran rejected the proposal and provided a counter-proposal which suggested the establishment of international consortiums to enrich uranium and manufacture nuclear fuel that would include Iran.
In its statement on Wednesday Iran said it had updated its package of proposals in order to “pave the way for dialogue and cooperation.”
In a telephone conversation with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Secretary Saeed Jalili on April 13, Solana elaborated on 5+1 group’s offer for resuming nuclear talks.
Jalili welcomed a new round of negotiations between Iran and the group for a constructive cooperation. He had said the Islamic Republic would issue a statement in response to the offer