EU to offer Iran sophisticated nuclear tech-Solana

BRUSSELS, May 15 (Reuters) - The European Union said today it was prepared to share the most advanced civilian nuclear technology with Iran if it was wanted to produce energy and did not have other atomic ambitions.

EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said a planned EU offer of incentives to persuade Iran to suspend sensitive nuclear activities would go beyond a package of sweeteners rejected by Tehran last year.

''You will find Europe can help you (Iran) out with a major positive project which will go beyond the projects presented in August,'' Solana told a news conference after a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

He was referring to an comprehensive package of economic, technical and political cooperation rejected by Iran last year.

Solana said the new package would provide Iran with the ''best and most sophisticated technology'' for civilian nuclear uses if Tehran's real aim was to produce energy. He gave no details.

The United States has agreed in principle to the EU presenting a new package offer to Iran, provided it accompanies a U.N. resolution paving the way for possible sanctions if Tehran does not suspend uranium enrichment activities.

REUTERS SY VC2215