Iran not to speed up talks over nuke issues: president

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Monday refused to consider accelerating negotiations over his country's nuclear program at the United Nations.

As talks were still going on, "I see no reason to speed them up," said Ahmadinejad, during his two-day visit to Venezuela.

Arguing that every nation had the equal right to nuclear energy, he said that if it was "something good," then "everyone should have it," but if otherwise, "nobody should have it."

Iran was "willing to negotiate with any country," which was the nation's constant commitment, Ahmadinejad added.

During talks with the visiting Iranian leader, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez reaffirmed his support for Iran's nuclear program.

"We are on your side, we will defend the rights of the Iranian people," said Chavez.

Iran delivered its official report on Aug. 22, refusing to suspend uranium enrichment by Aug. 31, the deadline laid out in the UN Security Council Resolution 1696.

It was Iran's response to an incentive package offered by the six major powers -- Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States -- aimed at defusing the international nuclear crisis.

The Iranian president, who arrived here on Sunday, was scheduled to fly to New York later on Monday to attend the UN General Assembly.

Source: Xinhua