Iran May Consider Two-Month Suspension

Iran would consider suspending its uranium enrichment program for two months if a series of conditions are met by the major UN Security Council nations, EU diplomats told reporters after weekend talks in Vienna between Ali Larijani, Iran's chief negotiator, and European Union Secretary General Javier Solana.

Conditions include an abdication of penalty measures by the Security Council and Iran's continued right to maintain a fuel cycle on its territory, reported AFP. In turn, Iran would put a temporary halt on uranium enrichment.

Both Larijani and Solana said progress was made during their discussions concerning Iran's disputed uranium enrichment program. They made plans to resume talks later this week.

Security Council insists on suspension

Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mohamed ElBaradei welcomed the talks between the EU and Tehran in his opening speech at an IAEA conference Monday in Vienna.

"I am encouraged by the dialogue between the EU and other partners to establish conditions for renewed negotiations. I still believe that negotiations are the best way to find a lasting solution," he said Monday in Vienna.

The UN Security Council has insisted that Iran halt its uranium enrichment program before talks on an international incentive package begin, or else it may impose sanctions.

The US and England are staunchly against starting negotiations prior to a suspension, but Russia, China, France and possibly Germany may be willing to compromise on this, said EU diplomats.

US Foreign Minister Condoleezza Rice told reporters Monday, "If there is a suspension we can have a discussion, but there has to be a suspension."

Iran rejected both offer and ultimatum

The five UN Security Council veto powers and Germany had offered Iran in June economic and technical cooperation including the delivery of nuclear technology if they put a stop on their uranium enrichment program. Tehran rejected the offer.

Iran also did not meet the UN Security Council's Aug. 31 ultimatum for the suspension of uranium enrichment. Last weekend's talks between Solana and Larijani were considered a last ditch effort to reach a mutually acceptable solution.

Depending on the degree to which it is enriched, uranium can be used in nuclear power plants or for building nuclear weapons. The UN Security Council suspects that the government in Tehran is producing nuclear weapons, but Iran has denied these claims.