Mahmud Ahmadinejad (file photo) (epa)
June 16, 2006 -- Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad says a package of incentives offered by world powers aimed at persuading Iran to abandon its uranium enrichment program is "a step forward."
Ahmadinejad made the statement on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Shanghai today.
"We see this [package] overall as a step forward and I've asked my colleagues to carefully consider it," he said. "God willing, we will express our views in the framework of the national interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran."
The package of incentives is backed by Russia, China, the United States, Great Britain, France, and Germany.
Earlier, U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack criticized the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for inviting Ahmadinejad to attend its summit as an observer.
"Certainly, having Iran there as an observer -- Iran, the world's largest or most significant state sponsor of terrorism, again runs counter to the idea that [the Shanghai Cooperation Organization] is a group dedicated, in part, to countering terrorism in the region," he said.
The Shanghai group's full members are Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Observer countries include Iran, Pakistan, India, and Mongolia.
(compiled from agency reports)
DIPLOMATIC OFFENSIVE: As the United States and the European Union increase pressure on Iran regarding its nuclear program, Tehran has launched a wide-ranging and ambitious diplomatic offensive, including high-level state visits with countries including China, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan. In May, Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad participated in a high-profile summit of the so-called Developing 8 (D8) group of countries in Bali. Below are some links to RFE/RL's coverage of Iran's efforts to boost international support for its position.
"We see this [package] overall as a step forward and I've asked my colleagues to carefully consider it," he said. "God willing, we will express our views in the framework of the national interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran."
The package of incentives is backed by Russia, China, the United States, Great Britain, France, and Germany.
Earlier, U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack criticized the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for inviting Ahmadinejad to attend its summit as an observer.
"Certainly, having Iran there as an observer -- Iran, the world's largest or most significant state sponsor of terrorism, again runs counter to the idea that [the Shanghai Cooperation Organization] is a group dedicated, in part, to countering terrorism in the region," he said.
The Shanghai group's full members are Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Observer countries include Iran, Pakistan, India, and Mongolia.
(compiled from agency reports)
Avoiding International Isolation
Avoiding International Isolation
DIPLOMATIC OFFENSIVE: As the United States and the European Union increase pressure on Iran regarding its nuclear program, Tehran has launched a wide-ranging and ambitious diplomatic offensive, including high-level state visits with countries including China, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan. In May, Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad participated in a high-profile summit of the so-called Developing 8 (D8) group of countries in Bali. Below are some links to RFE/RL's coverage of Iran's efforts to boost international support for its position.
Tehran's Shanghai Plans Seen As Bold Geopolitical Stroke
Nonaligned Movement Expresses Support For Iran
Afghan, Iranian Presidents Tout Strong Historical Ties
Iranian Foreign Minister In Pakistan For Energy Talks
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