Iran asserts atomic rights, to stick within rules

TEHRAN, Feb 11 (Reuters) Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said today Iran had a right to develop the technology to make nuclear fuel despite Western pressure but said his country wanted to work within international rules.

''Based on the law, we have the right to have the full (nuclear) fuel cycle,'' Ahmadinejad said in a speech broadcast on state television to mark the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution.

''The Iranian nation is interested in continuing its nuclear activities in the framework of the (International Atomic Energy) Agency's regulations and treaties,'' he said.

REUTERS SY RN1433