'West is assassinating scientists as negotiation strategy'

Iranian atomic chief: Killings are carrot-stick approach ahead of talks; Ahmadinejad threatens legal action against UNSC members.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
ahmadinejad peace out 311 (photo credit: AP)
ahmadinejad peace out 311
(photo credit: AP)
Iran's atomic energy chief on Wednesday accused the West of assassinating a nuclear scientist as part of a negotiation strategy.
Addressing mourners at a funeral procession for assassinated scientist Majid Shahriari in Teheran on Wednesday, Head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization Ali Akbar Salehi said, "Ahead of the upcoming talks, the malicious [arrogant powers] intended to display a glimpse of their political mischief, which is their carrot and stick approach."
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Talks between the West and Iran on the Islamic Republic's nuclear program are scheduled to begin early next week.
Speaking to veterans and families of war casualties in northern Iran on Tuesday, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad threatened take legal action against the world's most powerful nations
Addressing the assassination of an Iranian nuclear scientist this week, Ahmadinejad said, "By God, if such a thing happens again, we will put each of the UN Security Council permanent members on trial," official Iranian news agency IRNA reported on Wednesday. Ahmadinejad added that Iran would put forward cases going back before the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
He did not specify what judicial body he would take action in.
"They falsely think that if they take nuclear scientists or other scientists from us, the forward-looking path of the Iranian nation will be stopped," IRNA reported. He added, the "intelligence forces will whole-heartedly guard the scientists."
Ostensibly referring to nuclear talks scheduled to take place with the West next week, Ahmadinejad said, "Do you want to hold dialogue this way? Your move showed that you have hostile intentions," according to the report.