Iran Says Talks Must Focus On Right To Enrich Uranium

Iran's uranium-conversion facility at Isfahan (file photo) (AFP) 11 December 2005 -- Iran has said nuclear negotiations with the European Union later this month must focus on its right to enrich uranium.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi said today the only chance for negotiations is if the European side compromises.

Yesterday, British, French, and German diplomats said talks were likely to be held on 21 December in Vienna but that expectations are "very low."

The EU trio -- backed by the United States -- wants Iran to give up uranium enrichment activities as a guarantee it will not acquire nuclear weapons. But Tehran denies allegation it is seeking such weapons and insists it will never give up its right to produce atomic fuel.

(AFP/Reuters/dpa)