Iran ready to talk to all states of the world except Israel

TEHRAN, April 5 (KUNA)

Iran is ready to hold negotiations with all states of the world, with the exemption of Israel, on issues of bilateral or international dimensions, the government spokesman said on Saturday.

Gholam-Hossein Elham, speaking during his regular press briefing, said Tehran has repeatedly announced that the door for negotiations and political dealing is open wide with all states of the world including European countries, except for the "illegitimate Zionist entity."

"Negotiations can be held on various affairs such as international peace and stability and nuclear disarmament and dangers of the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction," Elham said.Asked on possible offering of new incentives by European states to Iran to halt uranium enrichment processes as part of its nuclear program, Elham said, "We do need the European incentives while we seek to attain our legitimate rights."

Usage of such rhetoric toward a strong nation such as Iran that enjoys a stance based on laws and principles is rejected, Elham added.But the spokesman said that his country would continue cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and "would not seek to undermine it." Elham's remarks coincided with reports that Tehran has begun installing advanced uranium enrichment centrifuges in its Natanz enrichment complex.Iran has been targeted with three sets of United Nations sanctions for its continous nuclear activities, suspected of being ultimately designed to make nuclear arms.