Iran delivers nuclear proposals to world powers

TEHRAN: Foreign Minister Manouchehr MottakiManouchehr Mottaki presented Iran's new package of proposals relating to its controversial nuclear programme to the envoys of six world powers on Wednesday, a photographer said.

In a brief ceremony at the foreign ministry, Mottaki handed a copy of the proposals to each of the representatives of the six powers, the so-called P5+1, involved in nuclear negotiations with Iran.

Iran "is ready to discuss political, security, economic, cultural and international issues with the other parties, on the basis of respect for the sovereignty and rights of nations, and without pressure and threats," he said in a statement carried by state news agency.

"Iranians have always used their abilities toward the establishment of peace, calm, stability and progress in the countries of the region and of the world," he told the assembled ambassadors.

Mottaki did not reveal the contents of the package.

On Tuesday, he had said the "package of proposals has been updated in light of developments in the world and different events that have taken place and will be submitted to the P5+1 tomorrow."

The P5+1 consists of the five veto-wielding permanent members of the UN Security Council -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- plus Germany, which are acting on behalf of the international community in the standoff.

Swiss envoy Livia Leu Agosti represented the United States, which has had no diplomatic relations with Iran since the aftermath of the 1979 revolution.

The new Iranian offer came as the International Atomic Energy Agency was holding a week-long meeting in Vienna, at which the US envoy charged that Iran was moving closer to "nuclear breakout capacity" -- the point where it can build a bomb.