Iran to present new nuclear proposals to EU
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Iranian officials will present to the European Union on Monday what they call a compromise plan aimed at halting a transfer of Iran's case to the U.N. Security Council, a diplomat with access to the Iranian position said.
The move comes hours ahead of a key meeting in London at which the EU and the United States will seek to persuade Russia and China to back tough diplomatic action against Iran over its disputed nuclear programme.
An EU spokeswoman said senior officials from the so-called "EU3" -- Britain, France and Germany -- would meet Iranian officials in Brussels on Monday to listen to the proposals, but that no negotiations were foreseen.
Under Iran's proposal, Tehran would seek agreement with the United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the scope of uranium enrichment allowed for research and development purposes and refrain from other enrichment activity.
Iran would also accept a Russian proposal under which Russia would enrich Iranian uranium fuel, with some unspecified amendments.
It would also agree not to feed uranium hexafluoride gas into centrifuges -- which purify the gas into fuel for nuclear power plants or weapons by spinning at supersonic speeds -- before Feb. 2.
Under the plan, Tehran would embark on discussions with the EU3 over the extent of enrichment. If there were no results within two years, it would consider itself entitled to begin industrial-scale enrichment.
"Iran is prepared to allow more time for talks with the Europeans on large scale enrichment," the diplomat said, quoting from a list of proposals.
"Iran also plans to integrate China in an active and central role in supporting the new initiative. Russia has already given its initial positive reaction."
The West fears Tehran will use its nuclear technology to develop atomic bombs. Iran says its programme is meant only for peaceful purposes, including power generation.
Europe and the United States want to involve the U.N. Security Council -- which could impose sanctions -- but Russia and China are not convinced.
Copyright © 2008 Reuters
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