Iran Says Western Offer 'An Acceptable Basis' For Talks

Iran's Natanz uranium-enrichment complex (epa)

July 16, 2006 -- Iran said today that an incentives package presented last month by Western powers was an "acceptable basis" for negotiations over Tehran's disputed nuclear program.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi urged negotiations over the program.

Asefi's remarks came just as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking in St. Petersburg, told reporters that Iran will respond "soon" to a package of offers aimed at encouraging Tehran to halt sensitive uranium-enrichment work.

(compiled from agency reports)