UN Says Iran Willing To Negotiate With EU

Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani spoke to Secretary General Anan today by phone (file photo) (RFE/RL) 12 January 2006 -- U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan says Iran remains interested in "serious and constructive negotiations" with the European Union on its nuclear program.

Annan said after a 40-minute telephone conversation today with Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, that Larijani told him Tehran is interested in serious and constructive negotiations, but within a time frame.

His remarks came as foreign ministers from Britain, France, and Germany said they want Iran hauled before the Security Council to face possible sanctions over its resumed nuclear activities.

Earlier today, an Iranian defense official said Iran is "not worried" about being hauled before the UN Security Council over concerns about its nuclear program.

Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, deputy secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, made his remarks in Tehran.

(compiled from agency reports)