The Group Eight diplomats have agreed on a proposal by France, Germany and Britain to present a package of "carrots and sticks" at pressing Iran to halt uranium enrichment.

The G8's Friday meeting in Washington agreed the EU trio to hold talks with Iran next week and demanded an immediately stop of Iran's fuel cycle otherwise it would receive new UN sanction, China Radio International reported Sunday.

The proposal from France, Germany and Britain also requires Iran to accept nuclear inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

It also urges Iran to participate in negotiations on security and economy to help normalize its relationship with the international community.

Meanwhile, a senior Iran official has told the state television on Saturday that Iran will reject any proposal to halt uranium enrichment and reserve its legitimate right to a fuel cycle.

Uranium enriched to a low level can be used to fuel nuclear power stations such as one Iran is building at the southern port of Bushehr. If enriched further it can be used in nuclear warheads.

But oil-rich Iran denies accusations from Washington that it has military nuclear ambitions and argues its atomic programme is dedicated solely to meeting booming demand for electricity.

Source: Xinhua