President-elect Mahmud Ahmadinejad (file photo)
12 July 2005 (RFE/RL) -- Iran's foreign minister says that the country's nuclear policy will remain the same after President-elect Mahmud Ahmadinejad takes office next month.
European diplomats have speculated that Ahmadinejad, a former Revolutionary Guardsman, will harden Iran's already firm line on Iran's nuclear policy.
But Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi told ambassadors in Tehran today that Iran's broad policy principles are set by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Kharrazi said that the government is obliged to implement the supreme leader's vision. He said nuclear matters comprise one such broad policy and will not change.
In talks with the European Union Iran has insisted -- over EU objections -- upon its right to produce enriched uranium, a material that could be used in producing nuclear weapons
During the presidential election campaign Ahmadinejad criticized Iranian diplomats for timidity in nuclear negotiations with the EU. Since his election, he has said he will continue talks.
(Reuter)
But Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi told ambassadors in Tehran today that Iran's broad policy principles are set by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Kharrazi said that the government is obliged to implement the supreme leader's vision. He said nuclear matters comprise one such broad policy and will not change.
In talks with the European Union Iran has insisted -- over EU objections -- upon its right to produce enriched uranium, a material that could be used in producing nuclear weapons
During the presidential election campaign Ahmadinejad criticized Iranian diplomats for timidity in nuclear negotiations with the EU. Since his election, he has said he will continue talks.
(Reuter)