'Iran can help Egypt get nuclear energy'

Teheran's former nuclear negotiator says assistance would be under IAEA supervision.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Larijani 224.88 ap (photo credit: AP [file])
Larijani 224.88 ap
(photo credit: AP [file])
Iran is willing to assist Egypt in developing the technology to produce nuclear energy, Ali Larijani, the head of Iran's National Security Council, said on Sunday. Speaking at a press conference in Cairo, Larijani said that such assistance would be given under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Referring to Iran's nuclear program, Larijani said the UN Security Council was wrong in its continued discussion of the issue, and added that the US had no excuse to continue to pursue the subject. America and the West must accept the fact that Iran has achieved nuclear technology, and take a reasonable stance on the issue, he said, stating that Iran and the IAEA had signed binding agreements on nuclear development and Iran remained committed to these agreements. Larijani said that Egypt and Iran had an important role to play in bringing peace and security to the region, calling the two countries' relations warm and strong. He further said that his country was interested in good relations with Arab countries, adding that Teheran was adamant on cooperation with these nations in order to confront the common challenges and dangers faced "by all Muslims." Larijani's statements joined those of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who on Saturday said his country too would be prepared to help Egypt develop nuclear technology for its energy requirements. The French president told the Egyptian al-Ahram newspaper that it was "natural" for Egypt to draw up plans for building nuclear power plants due to the country's large energy needs. Sarkozy said that France was ready to work together with Egypt on such a program, saying that France had "all the necessary experience and expertise" required.