India calls for 'active, transparent coop' between Iran, IAEA

New Delhi, Sep 7 (UNI) India today reiterated that Iran has the right to develop peaceful uses of nuclear energy but asked Tehran to fulfil all its international obligations and commitments while developing its nuclear programme.

It also called for ''active and transparent cooperation'' between Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) through dialogue for removing any doubts and uncertainties.

This was conveyed to visiting Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Mehdi Safari, currently here on a two-day official visit, during meetings with External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, National Security Advisor (NSA) M K Narayanan and Foreign Secretary Shivshanker Menon.

''During the meetings, India's consistent stand was reiterated that Iran has the right to develop peaceful use of nuclear energy while fulfilling all its international commitments and obligations.

The need for the nuclear issue to be dealt with in active and transparent cooperation with the IAEA, through dialogue and negotiation, was also mentioned,'' an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said.

The spokesman said India also noted the recent steps agreed between Iran and the IAEA towards the common goal of removing all doubts and uncertainty and said there was clearly further progress to be made in the future.

Sources said the Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline project and regional situation also figured during the talks.

''Dr Mehdi Safari's visit also provided a useful opportunity for discussions on bilateral relations and for an exchange of views on situation in the region,'' the spokesman added.

Mr Safari who arrived here yesterday on a two-day official visit to brief Indian leaders on Teheran's negotiations with the IAEA on Iran's Nuclear programme, held ''detailed talks'' with the Foreign Secretary, an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said. He said the visiting Minister, who is here as the special envoy of Iranian President Mehmoud Ahmedinejad, also called on the External Affairs Minister and the NSA.

''He is here to brief the Government of India on the developments on the nuclear issue and Iran's discussions with the IAEA,'' the spokesman added.

Mr Safari came here from Pakistan where he met the country's Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri.

UNI