Iran official hints at halting atomic work: Paper

Tehran, Feb 14: An adviser to Iran's top authority, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, hinted in remarks published today that Tehran might consider suspending sensitive atomic work.

The comments are the latest in conflicting signals sent by Iranian officials about whether Iran would halt uranium enrichment, the process the West fears Iran is seeking in order to build atomic bombs. Iran says its programme is civilian.

Ali Akbar Velayati, quoted by French daily Liberation, said Iran accepted suspension in the past but it did not help reach a deal. ''But if we continue to be in favour of a peaceful resolution of this problem, no idea should be unacceptable,'' he said.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad ruled out suspension in a speech on Sunday.

REUTERS

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