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Iran calls for total nuclear disarmament

Iran Materials 7 December 2010 06:39 (UTC +04:00)

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki has called for total nuclear disarmament, saying nuclear weapons only undermine efforts to establish world peace and global security, Press TV reported.

All countries should be serious about nuclear disarmament, Mottaki told journalists in Athens on Monday.

"(The process of) nuclear disarmament should be carried out without discrimination since nuclear weapons pose a threat, regardless of whose hands they are in," IRNA quoted him as saying.

He added that nuclear weapons have not solved problems and have only brought destruction.

Mottaki reiterated Iran's position on its right to nuclear energy meant for peaceful purposes, saying Tehran seeks nothing beyond its legitimate rights, in line with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Under the accord, all signatory countries have the right to pursue civilian nuclear energy programs.

Commenting on the talks between Iran and the P5+1 group that are currently underway in Geneva, he noted that the negotiations could be successful if the six major powers adopt realistic and flexible approaches.

On Monday, Iran and the P5+1 group -- Britain, China, France, Russia, the US, and Germany -- agreed to continue the talks based on the agenda of nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and peaceful nuclear cooperation.

The Iranian foreign minister also mentioned the age-old relations between Greece and Iran, adding that the two nations have good cooperation in regional and international issues.

Mottaki stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to work with other countries to help resolve issues such as drug trafficking, illegal immigration, and the Iraq and Afghanistan crises.

He also held a meeting with Greek President Karolos Papoulias in Athens earlier in the day.

Papoulias said Greece wants to see a peaceful resolution to the dispute over Iran's nuclear program.

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