World Powers Urge Iran To Accept Nuclear Package

Iran's ambassador to the IAEA, Ali Asqar Soltanieh (file photo) (epa) June 15, 2006 -- World powers have again urged Iran to suspend uranium enrichment and to accept a package of incentives presented last week by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, plus Germany.

Responding to appeals made by the United States, the EU, Russia, and China at a meeting of the UN nuclear watchdog agency, the IAEA, Iran's ambassador, Ali Asqar Soltanieh, said Tehran is giving the package "serious consideration."

Soltanieh echoed previous statements that the package contains "positive elements" but also "ambiguities," but promised that "we will inform the European Union about our remarks on the package in due course."

In Tehran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran would continue to resist pressure over its nuclear energy program.

Iran maintains that its nuclear program is strictly for civilian, not military use.

(compiled from agency reports)