IRAN PRESS: MFA SPOKESMAN SAYS QOM FACILITY, 20 PERCENT

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 RPO DUBAI 000430 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: IR PGOV PREL PARM SUBJECT: IRAN PRESS: MFA SPOKESMAN SAYS QOM FACILITY, 20 PERCENT ENRICHMENT NOT CONNECTED TO GENEVA TALKS REF: DUBAI RPO 424 DUBAI 00000430 001.2 OF 002 (U) On October 12 MFA spokesman Hassan Qashqavi held his weekly press conference. The following are approximate translations of his comments on the nuclear issue, taken from October 12 ISNA coverage. - Nothing relating to Iran's nuclear rights was discussed in the Geneva discussions; we have stood firm on this subject and moved forward. - We had made an announcement about the Fordo (i.e. Qom) Installation before the Geneva discussions and the mechanism for discussions is between us and the IAEA and this matter relates solely to these two entities, not to the 5+1 Group.. The Fordo Installation has no relation to the Geneva discussions. - The matter of the 20 percent enrichment isn't connected to the Geneva discussions either and the President had announced it in his trip to New York. We had said that our fuel would run out after a period. - [concerning Iran's desire to import 20 percent enriched uranium]: This doesn't mean that we are fixated on importing it; we can't stop the work of 150 hospitals and provide it [the fuel] should it be necessary. We are not joking with anyone about meeting this need. - We want to get 20 percent enriched uranium and ensha'allah it will be agreed that this fuel is imported into Iran.. due to the tremendous respect we have for international laws we announced our desire for 20 percent enriched fuel and it has been agreed that a tripartite meeting be held among Iran, the IAEA and countries who have expressed a willingness in order to discuss price, the method of delivery and the shape of work. - [question: weren't the Geneva meetings influenced by the subject of the 20 percent enrichment and the Fordo Installation?]: When Iran's nuclear issue was put forward the subject was totally transparent and clear.. [ explaining that Iran has said repeatedly that its nuclear rights are non-negotiable, he continued]: this means continuation of activities within the framework of the NPT, IAEA regulations and Safeguard articles. - I don't know why some domestically and abroad have insisted to this extent that the issue of the Fordo Installation and of 20 percent enrichment are connected to the Geneva discussions.. no matter how much I look I can't see a connection between these two subjects and [Iran's] nuclear rights. - The negotiating sides in Geneva comprising Iran's representative and representatives of the 5+1 Countries all expressed their satisfaction concerning these discussions and accepted that the basis of negotiations in the second round of discussions would be Iran's proposed package. [question: Secretary Clinton has said that the US cannot wait forever for Iran's answer] Our commitment to international laws is in essence a legal one and statements about deadlines and timing have no influence on us. We are active NPT members and carry out our work legally. DUBAI 00000430 002.2 OF 002 - [on sanctions]: We've said it repeatedly and they themselves know that the language of threats and sanctions is useless .. concerning dialogue and negotiations we have always announced that we favor discussion and "Geneva 2" has also proven this. - Iran fully has a presence and influence in global management [i.e. affairs] and our influence will grow in the future.. Iran is a global strategic power. EYREAE