Iran Says Parts Of Western Incentives Package Unacceptable

Iran Says Parts of Western Incentives Package Unacceptable

http://voanews.com/english/2006-06-11-voa17.cfm

By VOA News
11 June 2006

Iran has rejected some proposals in a Western incentives package aimed at persuading Tehran to limit sensitive nuclear work.

At a weekly news conference Sunday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi said some points are acceptable, but other elements are ambiguous, and some should be strengthened.

Asefi said Iran would offer its own amendments.^ He did not specify what changes Tehran might seek.

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said Saturday that his country would present a counter-offer after officials finish studying the proposal.

Iran has been referred to the U.N. Security Council, and could face sanctions after failing to convince the international community that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

The United States and Europe suspect Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons.

The incentives package is said to include international support for Iran's effort to build a nuclear power plant.^ The U.S. also would agree to drop some trade sanctions and allow Iran to buy spare parts for its aging fleet of American-made aircraft.

The proposal is believed to include a threat of sanctions if Iran fails to curb its nuclear activities.