Report: Iran's Talks Proposal Falls Short

(AP)  Iran's new proposal for talks with the West promises wide-ranging negotiations but does not provide details of the country's disputed nuclear program, according to a copy of the document published by an investigative group.

The five-page proposal, published online by New York-based ProPublica, says Tehran is ready to "embark on comprehensive, all-encompassing and constructive negotiations."

ProPublica did not say how it obtained the proposal. A Western diplomat familiar with the Iranian nuclear file said the document published on ProPublica was authentic. The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.

Iran insists its atomic program is peaceful and geared solely toward generating electricity. The United States and key allies contend it's covertly trying to build a nuclear weapon.

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki handed his country's proposals for new talks to the ambassadors of Britain, France, China, Russia and Germany - and to the Swiss ambassador, who represents U.S. interests.

The proposal says Iran is prepared to enter into dialogue and negotiation in order to lay the ground for lasting peace. It lists a wide range of issues for discussion, including disarmament, trade and investment, fighting terrorism and protecting human dignity.

U.S. officials said Thursday that the proposal falls well short of satisfying international demands that Iran detail its nuclear program. On Monday, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said his country will over its nuclear rights but is ready to sit and talk with world powers over "global challenges."

According to the document, "The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that within the framework of principles of justice, democracy and multilateralism, a wide range of security, political, economic and cultural issues at regional and global levels could be included in these negotiations with a view of fostering constructive cooperation for advancement of nations and promotion of peace and stability in the region and the world," the proposal says.

President Obama and European allies have given Iran until the end of September to take up an offer of nuclear talks with six world powers and trade incentives should it suspend uranium enrichment activities. It has already defied three sets of U.N. Security Council sanctions since 2006 for its refusal to freeze uranium enrichment.

[ajayvee]

Iran ignoring UN resolutions? Shocking, shocking! Never heard of any other country doing that!

[pw08-2009]

Everything Iran does, falls short. See what Diplomatic communication gets you? Does anyone remember how Iraq did the same thing and worse and stone walled our inspectors and laughed about it? Well, now we have the same thing happening and the consequence is that we could very possibly have a big fat nuclear bomb dropped on our doorstep because we are trying to have Diplomatic dialogue with this B**shi* regime.

[mav547166]

Its not like Iran has anything to worry about from Obama. He had the best chance to get rid of that regime this summer and sat on his hands since freedom is only for Americans to enjoy.

[thesevenveils]

George Bush and Cheney blew it big time. Instead of attacking the real country with the real weapons of mass destruction threat, they started a war with Iraq. Instead of starting a war with Iran they picked a fight with Iraq. Why? Why? Why?

[1notrub11]

The five-page proposal, published online by New York-based ProPublica, says Tehran is ready to "embark on comprehensive, all-encompassing and constructive negotiations."

Well, I guess that about covers it. Oh wait, I guess it's not comprehensive and all encompassing, from the perspective of the rest of the world. The constructive judgment will have to wait post-facto.

[jwesel1]

Depends on your definition of "rest of the world". Seems it is the governments of Israel+USA+GB. You do live in a very small world. The real world consists of real people, not puppets ruling them

[thesevenveils]

Obviously Iran is pig headed with its single sided approach to its suspected (but secretly confirmed) nuclear weapon ambitions and the rest of the worlds concern over this topic. It's interesting that Iran and North Korea are willing to talk your ears off but aren't willing to commit to any actions in calming the worlds concerns.