Mottaki: Fuel swap, chance for mutual trust-building

Tehran, April 20, IRNA – Iran’s Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said fuel swap for Tehran research nuclear reactor could be a chance for mutual trust-building.

He made the remark in a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu here Tuesday.

In answer to a question whether Iran is still persistent on making a swap deal inside Iranian territory or it would consider other options as well, he said different options could be considered as a trust-building gesture, provided there emerged a frank agreement on the basic point of making the swap.

He said if a firm will was displayed on the part of the involved sides on implementing the formula for making the swap, then the very issue of making the deal could be regarded as an opportunity for trust-building by all parties including Iran.

He stressed that the issue was still open for discussion.

Davutoglu stressed the need for further talks on Iran’s nuclear program and said Ankara believed in diplomatic ways for solving the issue.

He said Turkey, as a neighbor of Iran, supported the notion that much of the issue could be solved through talks and negotiations.

Stressing that Turkey will convey its views both to Iran and the US, the Turkish foreign minister turned to the issue of fuel swap deal and said his country was ready to act as the third country in the procedure.

He also voiced his country’s readiness to play a major role in nuclear negotiations.

Davutoglu further said his presence in Tehran proved friendly ties between the two countries./end