Iran's Foreign Minister Hints At Renewed Nuclear Talks With EU

Iranian Foreign Minister Mottaki (file photo) (epa)

May 30, 2006 -- Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki says Iran is ready to restart talks on its nuclear program with the European Union trio of Britain, France, and Germany.

Speaking today at a meeting of the Nonaligned Movement in Malaysia, Mottaki also ruled out direct talks with the United States.

The EU trio broke off the negotiations with Iran in August after Tehran resumed activities linked to uranium enrichment.

Earlier, China said that top officials from the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, plus Germany, will meet in Vienna on June 1 to discuss Iran's disputed nuclear program.

The group is expected to present Iran with an offer to abandon its uranium-enrichment program in exchange for economic and other incentives.

(compiled from agency reports)