Rouhani: Differences Remain in Talks, Safeguarding Nuclear Rights Big Victory
Local Editor
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani confirmed Saturday that "there are still many differences over details of a nuclear deal Iran and world powers are trying to conclude by June 30."
He further added: "We are very serious in the negotiations. We do not seek to gain time, but at the same time we are not captives of time. We are not in a hurry but we try to use every opportunity to reach a good deal."
Rouhani added that the achievements of his administration in safeguarding the nuclear rights of the Islamic Republic are a big victory for the Iranian nation.
In his introductory remarks, Rouhani said people's epic participation in the presidential election in 2013 showed that they sought a bright economic and political future.
The administration, he said, has done its best to make good on all of its campaign pledges, including the betterment of economic and political conditions and the enhancement of relations with the world.
He said that, in addition to the nuclear rights of the Iranian nation, their right to have access to the world market is also one that has to be safeguarded.
In line with this objective, the Iranian administration launched negotiations with world powers, he added.
In parallel, Rouhani expressed gratitude for the Leader of the Islamic Revolution His Eminence Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei for supporting the Iranian negotiators.
The Iranian president said that, today, no world country doubts Iran's right to the enrichment of uranium. He said this is the biggest achievement in the safeguarding of the nuclear rights of the country.
"What we have gained so far is a big victory for the Iranian nation," he said.
He said the sanctions imposed against Iran are both cruel and inhumane as the sanctions even targeted foodstuffs, medicine and medical equipment, among other basic things.
"No one should doubt that sanctions have been cruel," he said.
The scale of the sanctions was vast, he said, but the administration has managed the effects of the sanctions through its policies over the past two years.
"The administration has well managed and will manage the sanctions," he said.
We are doing our best to reach an agreement with the P5+1 that abides by all the red lines and that safeguards all the interests of the Iranian nation, the Iranian president said responding to a question by a reporter.
He said the Islamic Republic is very serious in the negotiations and, while it is in no rush for an agreement, it will draw on all of its capabilities to achieve one.
Responding to another question on the nuclear negotiations, he said the talks are progressing in general, although there are disagreements.
He said the removal of the sanctions will be simultaneous with the implementation of the deal, but, he said, there remain differences over the simultaneity of the lifting of the sanctions with the measures by Iran under the deal.
On another level, Rouhani said the country will never allow its state secrets to be accessed by foreigners under the pretext of international treaties or conventions.
Iran's potential voluntary acceptance of the Additional Protocol, the president said, would merely be to belie the false accusation that Iran is after building nuclear bombs.
Speaking on the regional policies of the Islamic Republic, the president said the administration is committed to helping regional countries maintain their stability, particularly through providing help in the fight against terrorism.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team
