Iranian official says not to suspend enrichment

An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Sunday that the country would not suspend uranium enrichment, two days before it will make an official reply to a six-nation package aimed at solving the Iranian nuclear issue.

"The issue of suspension is not on the agenda of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Hamid Reza Asefi told reporters.

He also reiterated rejection to a UN Security Council resolution that demands suspension of its uranium enrichment by Aug. 31.

"The resolution has no legal validity and is unacceptable for the Islamic Republic," he said.

On July 31, the Security Council adopted a resolution urging Tehran to "suspend all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, including research and development" by Aug. 31 or face the prospect of sanctions.

Iran is expected to respond on Aug. 22 to a six-nation package aimed at solving its nuclear issue.

Source: Xinhua