Ahmadinejad vows to continue nuclear programme

From AFP
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wrapped up a visit to neighbouring Azerbaijan on Wednesday with a vow to continue Iran's contested nuclear programme.

Ahmadinejad said US-backed international sanctions would not deter the Islamic republic from developing nuclear technology.

Left: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev, greets
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

"They know well that their behaviour vis-a-vis the Iranian nation will have no impact on our nation's resolve and that they will be forced to openly admit the rights of the Iranian nation," Iran's official IRNA news agency quoted Ahmadinejad as saying.

"We want nuclear technology to be at the service of (all) nations' progress, welfare and peace, and we are against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction," he said.

Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency agreed on Tuesday, after two days of talks, on a timetable for Tehran to answer outstanding concerns about its nuclear programme, although the dates have not been made public.

The agreement means that Tehran will have to answer specific questions about its nuclear programme -- which the US claims is aimed at making atomic weapons -- in line with the agreed timetable over the coming weeks.

Ahmadinejad, speaking at the end of a two-day visit to Azerbaijan to counter growing US influence in the oil-rich ex-Soviet republic, also accused "Zionists and groups attached to big powers" of "striving to sow discord among nations."

"They are making mistakes because the bonds of friendship between the two nations of Iran and Azerbaijan have roots in history," he said.

Bagelblogger: The strategic importance of Azerbaijan in relation to the on going war of words between the US and Iran seems to have prompted Mahmoud Ahmadinejad into action.

Despite a lot of tension between the two neighbors, many co operative programs between the two are on the drawing boards or about to be commenced.

References:
Hindustan Times: Ahmadinejad vows to continue nuclear programme

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