Iran's President Vows To Reject European Nuclear Offer

EU foreign-policy chief Javier Solana touted Europe's offer as "exceptional" (epa) May 17, 2006 -- Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad has said that Tehran will reject a European offer of incentives to give up uranium enrichment.
Ahmadinejad said in a speech carried on television today that accepting the European Union's offer would be like swapping nuts and chocolate for gold. The European Union has offered Iran sophisticated civilian nuclear technology if it agreed to halt all uranium enrichment.

Diplomats now say Britain, France, and Germany are considering offering a light-water nuclear reactor as part of the incentives package.

EU foreign-policy chief Javier Solana predicted on May 15 that it would be "difficult for [Iran] to say no to [our offer] if what they want really is energy."

The United States has consistently accused Iran of having a covert military nuclear program in addition to its civilian nuclear efforts.

(compiled from agency reports)

Iran's Nuclear Program

Iran's Nuclear Program


THE COMPLETE PICTURE: RFE/RL's complete coverage of controversy surrounding Iran's nuclear program.


CHRONOLOGY

An annotated timeline of Iran's nuclear program.