Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said here on Thursday that Iran hoped the nuclear issue could be solved through diplomatic negotiations within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The referral of the nuclear issue to the UN Security Council was a mistaken move, which could only weaken the position of the IAEA, Mottaki told reporters after addressing a session of the Conference on Disarmament.

Mottaki said the IAEA had clear concepts for rights and obligations of member states, therefore, it was an appropriate place to look for a settlement of the nuclear issue.

Further importance should be added to the work of the IAEA, so that certain solutions to problems could be found within the agency, he said.

When asked a question on possible UN Security Council sanctions against Tehran over the nuclear issue, Mottaki said that "We have readied ourselves to all possible conditions."

He said, however, under the current conditions, the possibility of sanctions on Iran "does not exist".

Mottaki also reiterated that Iran would not give up its inalienable right to produce nuclear fuel, noting that Iran's uranium enrichment activities are in compliance with the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Iran will continue its sincere cooperation with the IAEA, he said.

He also said that Iran was open to all proposals and plans for solving the nuclear issue, noting, however, that any suggestions must ensure Iran's legitimate rights for peaceful nuclear development.

The minister added that Iran's legal rights should be respected, and related countries should avoid taking action that might complicate the issue.

The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a presidential statement on Wednesday afternoon calling on Iran to resume suspension of all uranium enrichment-related activities within 30 days.

Mottaki also revealed that Iran will discussed with the United States on the Iraqi issue.

Iran has always supported the stability and expansion of democracy in Iraq and respected its neighbor's territorial integrity and national unity, he added.

Source: Xinhua