Iranian MPs call for lifting of all sanctions, no limits on R&D activities

Tehran, Nov 9, IRNA – More than 200 members of the Iranian parliament (Majlis) called on Sunday for complete removal of all Western sanctions against Iran, non-acceptance of any further restrictions on the country's Research and Development (R&D) activities and prevention of further IAEA inspections beyond NPT. In a statement, the Iranian lawmakers urged the country's nuclear negotiating team to observe national dignity and authority during their ongoing talks with the world six powers (US, Britain, Russia, France and China plus Germany). Iran's negotiating team, headed by Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, is currently in Muscat, Oman, to hold talks on the major issues and reach a comprehensive agreement between the two sides. The talks are to be held on Tuesday (November 11). Foreign Minister Zarif is currently holding a tripartite meeting with his US counterpart John Kerry and the EU coordinator for nuclear talks Catherine Ashton. The Iranian lawmakers' statement was read at the Sunday's open session of Majlis by Zargham Sadeqi a member of the Majlis Presiding Board. The Iranian legislators urged the nuclear negotiating team to observe five major issues in their talks with the West. The major topics included: 1- Complete lifting of both nuclear and non-nuclear sanctions against Iran immediately after signing the final deal. 2 - Complete restoration of Iranians' nuclear rights including development and upgrading of the nuclear fuel cycle. 3 - Not accepting any further restrictions on the country's Research and Development (R&D) activities 4 - Preventing further inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency officials of Iran's nuclear sites and facilities beyond the Non-Proliferation Treaty. 5- And maintaining the nature of activities underway in Arak's heavy water reactor mostly for a two-year period as well as continuation of operation in Iran's Fordo facilities for peaceful purposes. The upcoming nuclear talks between Iran and the Group 5+1 will focus on differences between the two sides over the size of Iran's enrichment activities, lifting of West's sanctions against the country and duration of the final agreement./end