N-talks have to be concluded by Nov. 24: Velayati

Tehran, Nov 1, IRNA – Head of the Center for Strategic Research of Iran's Expediency Council Ali-Akbar Velayati said Saturday that Iran believes nuclear talks with the six world nations have to be concluded by the November 24 deadline. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Borge Brende, Velayati said Iran has never rejected negotiations since certain Western governments pressed for talks over the nuclear dispute. Iran is confident about what it has done with regard to its nuclear program, Velayati said, adding, it was crystal clear from the very beginning that the Iranian nuclear program has been designed for civilian purpose. "Day in and day out the mankind's need for nuclear energy is growing and the western governments cannot dictate the Iranian government to stop the national nuclear program designed in line with Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency." Velayati reiterated that Iranian nuclear sites are open to international inspections, adding, all the reports issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency so far verified non-diversion of the Iranian nuclear program and that Iran has no weapons program. He called for Iran's confidence-building measures to be reciprocated by the western governments. "We kept our promises, but unfortunately they failed to do so and the Americans intensified the sanctions instead. Sometimes, they make unconventional remarks which are criticized by impartial countries across the globe."/end