TEHRAN - MP Alaeddin Boroujerdi has said that it cannot be expected that the nuclear dispute between Iran and the West be resolved in a few meetings. 

 

Boroujerdi, who is the chairman of the Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, made the remarks in an interview with reporters on Sunday in reply to a question about the next round of talks between Tehran and the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany), which is schedule to be held in Baghdad on May 23.

 

Boroujerdi added that differences over Iran’s nuclear program “cannot be resolved in one or two meetings. It is a false expectation that the Baghdad meeting will mark the end of the negotiations.  

 

“The Baghdad meeting will be a continuation of the Istanbul talks.”

 

Representatives of Iran and the six major powers held a new round of talks in Istanbul on April 14, breaking a 15-month hiatus in talks. 

 

The MP also said, “What is important is Iran’s emphasis on its rights to use peaceful nuclear energy despite the international and political pressure and the adoption of resolutions.    

 

“The Islamic Republic of Iran acts in such a way that its rights are realized and its interests are served.” 

 

Elsewhere in his remarks, Boroujerdi stated, “Iran has never limited its talks with the 5+1 to nuclear issues. Therefore, Iran’s package of proposals includes a number of important issues, including terrorism, campaign against drugs, and energy.”  

 

He went on to say that the Zionist regime and the United States do not want the dispute over Iran’s nuclear program to be resolved and this is why they are still leveling false allegations against the Islamic Republic. 

 

“We hope, in the Baghdad talks, the 5+1 will change the policy of confrontation to (a policy of) cooperation through considering the realities on the ground and respecting Iran’s right to develop nuclear technology so that the Baghdad meeting would mark the end of the negotiations,” he added. 

 

Iran hopes Amano’s visit to Tehran will be helpful 

 

Boroujerdi was also asked to comment on International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Yukiya Amano’s decision to visit Tehran before talks in Baghdad.

 

He said, “I think Amano’s presence in Tehran to hold negotiations before the talks in Baghdad will be helpful.” 

 

Amano plans to hold talks with a number of Iranian officials, including Supreme National Security Council Secretary General Saeed Jalili, who is Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, on Monday, May 21. 

 

IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Safeguards Herman Nackaerts and Assistant Director General Rafael Grossi will be accompanying Amano during his first trip to Iran since he assumed the post on December 1, 2009. 

 

According to an IAEA statement issued on Friday, Amano will “discuss issues of mutual interest with high Iranian officials” during his visit to Tehran.