Iran: Breakthrough Possible
Iranian Foreign Minister Welcomes Unconditional Talks
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Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki. (AP Photo/Nicholas Ratzenboeck)
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"We think that if there is good will, a breakthrough to get out of a situation they [the European Union and United States] have created for themselves... is possible," Mottaki told a press conference.
Six world powers agreed on Thursday to offer Iran a new package of incentives if it gives up uranium enrichment, or sanctions if it refuses. The plan could either defuse a global confrontation with the Islamic regime or hasten one.
The United States warned Iran on Friday that it would not have much time to respond to the international package of rewards, suggesting that the window could close and be replaced by penalties if the Islamic republic doesn't react fast.
"We are waiting to officially receive the proposals. We will make our views known after studying the package," Mottaki said.
"We will also mention if any part of the package is not in Iran's interests," he said.
Mottaki said European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana would hand deliver the package to Iranian officials in the next few days. No specific date has yet been set for the trip, he said.
In Belgium, Solana's spokeswoman Cristina Gallach confirmed he was ready to travel to Iran very soon. "The trip is not going to be a negotiating trip, the objective is to present the proposals of the international community," she said.
Iran would study the package "within the necessary timeframe," Mottaki said.
©MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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