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What does Iran really want?

By Jin Liangxiang: 0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, March 1, 2013

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Members of the Iranian delegation, led by Supreme National Security Council Secretary and chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili (2nd R), sit at a table during talks in Almaty February 26, 2013. [cntv.cn]

Constructive negotiations should be based on balanced approaches that address the concerns of both sides. If the negotiations only take care of the concerns of the West but not those of Iran, they will not be productive. As mentioned above, Iran will not likely concede regarding its capability to enrich uranium with purity of 5 percent for its peaceful use of nuclear energy, but will be willing to negotiate on its rights for producing 20 percent purity uranium.

Therefore, the right negotiating approach should be: firstly to recognize definitively of Iran's right to pursue 5 percent purity enrichment capability; secondly to persuade Iran to give up rights for 20 percent purity enrichment activities while ensuring its supply from international market; thirdly to strengthen inspections on activities that might lead to weapon-grade capabilities.

In previous negotiations, the West seemed unwilling to talk about Iran's concerns. That's why they failed. Fortunately, during Almaty round of negotiations, it seemed that the West had substantially softened its position. They did not talk about Iran's 5 percent purity enrichment, which means that the West actually acquiesced to Iranian demands; they talked about 20 percent purity enrichment, but recognized Iran's limited rights for such capability, and did not call on Iran to discard its stock of approximately 134 kg of such uranium. That's the reason why the latest rounds of discussions were widely regarded as positive.

The two sides agreed to meet again in early April. That's certainly good news. However, if the West and the six parties really want a breakthrough, they should offer a definite guarantee for Iran's supply of 20 percent purity uranium. Iran's position is very clear: If it cannot buy foreign medical isotopes, it will produce them itself.

And what kind of rewards they can offer is also very critical. In the Almaty negotiations, the West offered easing of gold sanctions and petrochemical products, but Iran said that such an offer would not be sufficient. Although it is impossible that the West will cancel all sanctions as Iran required in exchange for Iran's concession of 20 percent purity uranium, it opened a window for further negotiations.

Last but not the least, the attitudes of the West and the six parties toward Iran is important. Iran always demands equal treatment and respect. Major Iranian politicians persistently stress that Iran wants a just and equal negotiations process, and Iran will not negotiate under duress.

The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/jinliangxiang.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

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