‘5% enrichment not a new topic for discussion in 5+1 talks’

TEHRAN, May 2 (MNA) – The Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that that Iran’s ability to enrich uranium to five percent purity “is not a matter which can be raised as a new issue” in the talks with the major powers (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany). “The issue of enrichment up to (a purity level of) five percent is not a matter which can be raised as a new issue.” Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast told reporters. “Our country has gained access to nuclear technology meant for peaceful purposes. If the NPT is the criterion, it is clear that uranium enrichment” to whatever percentage is dictated in the treaty is peaceful, Mehmanparast stated. A report published in the April 27 edition of the Los Angeles Times read that Obama-administration officials might agree to let Tehran continue enriching uranium up to concentrations of 5% if the Iranian government agreed to unrestricted inspections and tight safeguards.