Iran ready for talks with West, but not over N-rights

Ahmadinejad has said that Iran would not accept any proposal, which did not acknowledge its nuclear rights within the NPT.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said he would be ready for dialogue with the West but not over Iran's right to pursue nuclear programmes, Fars news agency reported on Monday.

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"We are ready to hold dialogue (with the West) over improving the regional and global situation but not over our irrevocable rights (to pursue nuclear technology)," Ahmadinejad was quoted by Fars as saying during a meeting Sunday night with local officials.

Although Iran has not yet replied to the latest Western incentives in return for the suspension of its uranium enrichment activities, Ahmadinejad has already said that Iran would not accept any proposal, which did not acknowledge Iran's nuclear rights within the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

"Our foreign policy is based on friendship with nations but at the same time we will decisively stand against arrogant powers to protect the legitimate rights of oppressed countries," Ahmadinejad said.