German FM Reaffirms Iran's Nuclear Rights

Berlin, March 27, IRNA -- German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle on Monday acknowledged Iran's right to produce nuclear energy. Writing exclusively for the Frankfurt-based daily Frankfurter Rundschau, Westerwelle acknowledged 'Iran's explicit right to use atomic energy for peaceful purposes.' He called for 'a diplomatic and political solution' on the stalemate over Iran's nuclear row. Westerwelle urged Tehran to take advantage of the opportunity 'to resume serious and substantial talks on its nuclear program.' Germany's chief diplomat has repeatedly and strongly rejected military threats to Iran, saying they were not helpful at all in settling the Iranian nuclear dispute. Iran said it is willing to resume nuclear talks with Group 5+1, while insisting that the western governments had to recognize its right to enrich uranium./end