Iran says will not abandon atomic rights: TV

Tehran, Jul 13: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said today Iran would not abandon its right to nuclear technology, in response to a package backed by six world powers aimed at ending a nuclear standoff with the West.

''Our answer to the P5+1 package is clear, the Iranian nation abides by international laws and regulations but will not abandon its obvious right to obtain nuclear technology,'' he was quoted as saying by state television.

He also said Iran was ready for talks and repeated that the country would give its answer to the package by Aug. 22, despite mounting international pressure for a quicker response.

REUTERS