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Khamenei defends nuclear 'right' | Khamenei defends nuclear 'right' |
(10 minutes later) | |
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, says the country will continue developing nuclear technology. | Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, says the country will continue developing nuclear technology. |
"Our policy is clear, progress with clear logic and insisting on the nation's right without any retreat," state television quoted him as saying. | "Our policy is clear, progress with clear logic and insisting on the nation's right without any retreat," state television quoted him as saying. |
His comments come as the United Nations discusses its response to North Korea's claimed nuclear test on Monday. | His comments come as the United Nations discusses its response to North Korea's claimed nuclear test on Monday. |
Iran has always maintained the technology is for peaceful purposes and not for atomic weapons. | Iran has always maintained the technology is for peaceful purposes and not for atomic weapons. |
Last week, at talks in London, the six major powers trying to persuade Iran to curtail its nuclear research agreed to consult on the possibility of imposing sanctions. | Last week, at talks in London, the six major powers trying to persuade Iran to curtail its nuclear research agreed to consult on the possibility of imposing sanctions. |
The Ayatollah's comments are his first public remarks since the meeting. | The Ayatollah's comments are his first public remarks since the meeting. |
'Full confidence' | 'Full confidence' |
He was also quoted as saying that while Iran had previously suspended its enrichment program, it would not do so again. | He was also quoted as saying that while Iran had previously suspended its enrichment program, it would not do so again. |
"Now with steady heart and full confidence we press ahead and nobody can give a good reason that the nuclear path is wrong for the country," he said. | "Now with steady heart and full confidence we press ahead and nobody can give a good reason that the nuclear path is wrong for the country," he said. |
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was also quoted by state television, saying the country would continue to negotiate and cooperate in the nuclear energy field. | Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was also quoted by state television, saying the country would continue to negotiate and cooperate in the nuclear energy field. |
Iran says their nuclear intentions are peaceful | |
"Iran's proposal is an appropriate framework for cooperation in the nuclear issue and the Iranian nation will continue the path of dignity with perseverance and prudence without any fear." | "Iran's proposal is an appropriate framework for cooperation in the nuclear issue and the Iranian nation will continue the path of dignity with perseverance and prudence without any fear." |
Tehran had rejected a 31 August deadline set by the UN Security Council that it suspend enrichment or face possible sanctions. | Tehran had rejected a 31 August deadline set by the UN Security Council that it suspend enrichment or face possible sanctions. |
At the London talks last week, the US and the UK favoured immediate punitive sanctions, but China and Russia both said diplomacy was still the best way to achieve a solution. | At the London talks last week, the US and the UK favoured immediate punitive sanctions, but China and Russia both said diplomacy was still the best way to achieve a solution. |