JEDDAH, 13 June 2005 — A top Iranian official stated yesterday that his country’s nuclear program was for peaceful purposes and did not target its neighbors. Dr. Hassan Rouhani, secretary-general of the Iranian National Security Council, also said he had discussed Iran’s nuclear program and its objective with Crown Prince Abdullah.
“Our nuclear program is peaceful and sound and will not affect the environment or our neighbors,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted the official as saying.
“Of course, we wanted to discuss the issue of our nuclear program with the Saudi leadership, especially with Crown Prince Abdullah, in a clear and transparent manner,” Rouhani said in answer to a question.
“We have explained our objectives and what we intend from having nuclear power,” he said, adding that Iran would carry out its nuclear activities within the framework of international charters and regulations.
Asked whether there was any agreement during his Riyadh meetings on the extradition of wanted Saudis in Iran, Rouhani said: “We don’t have any Saudi detainees in Iran. In the past there were and we handed them over to Saudi authorities.”
