Iranian Nuclear Chief Reveals Details of Negotiations with Europe and of Esfahan and Natanz Activities

The following are excerpts from an interview with the International Affairs Deputy in the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization, Mohammad-Reza Sa'idi, which aired on various Iranian TV channels.

Sa'idi (Channel 2, July 31, 2005): After the Geneva talks, various deliberations were held. Then we realized that the European offer does not adequately address the UCF in Esfahan, or the enrichment in Natanz. This led to the convening of the steering committee in London two weeks ago. Prior to that, a letter was prepared at the Supreme Council for National Security by Mr. Rouhani, and was given to these countries' ambassadors. In this letter we withdrew from the offer we presented the Europeans on March 23, which was in itself a withdrawal from what we had offered in London. This was an offer that was much more moderate and included the minimum that we could get from the Europeans concerning Natanz and Esfahan. We expected that this minimum, which the Iranian side offered and requested - the Europeans would at least address it logically, accept the Iranian offer, and provide a positive answer.

Unfortunately, last week, we realized once again that there is no significant European response to the points that Iran had raised, and that they did not even accept the minimum that Iran requested at this stage. Eventually, we reached a decision in Iran that this was not a matter of time at all. July 10 was in fact a deadline for the presentation of the European offer. This is not about an extension. We have only just realized that in the offer that Europe is about to present - whether today, tomorrow, in a week, or even in two months - these two matters that are crucial to us, and which were brought up in the Paris agreement, were totally ignored by them. Therefore, we no longer see any need to continue these talks in their current format. We believe it is now time to activate the facilities in Esfahan. This does not mean we are abandoning the negotiations. We have never initiated a halt in the talks.

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This project (UCF) was carried out with no foreign supervision or assistance. Other than the five countries with nuclear weapons, the rest of the countries that have obtained such facilities - and even countries that do have weapons, including China - the establishment of these facilities was in cooperation with the countries that have the facilities. Thanks to God and the round-the-clock efforts of our young experts, with their faith and willpower, this project was completed in four years. A project of this scale usually takes between seven and ten years.

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Up to a year ago, we in Iran dealt with uranium materials measured in grams and milligrams. Now, thanks to God and the efforts of our young experts, we deal with uranium materials measured in tons. We produce these materials safely. The IAEA supervises it fully.

Sa'idi (Jaam-e Jam 2 TV, August 2, 2005):Our decision regarding the enrichment facilities is final, but we are waiting to hold talks with the Europeans and to activate the enrichment facilities in Natanz as part of an agreement.

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If the Europeans are interested in continuing the talks on Natanz, and we reach a clear agreement - this will be better both for us and for the Europeans. If the Europeans do not accept this, then according to Article 4 of the NPT, and since these facilities are under complete IAEA supervision, we will activate the enrichment facilities in Natanz as well.

Host: Will Esfahan operate at full capacity?

Sa'idi: The facilities in Esfahan will operate and produce at full capacity.

Host: UF6 production?

Sa'idi: Precisely.