Iran wants talks on its nuclear program, but won't halt uranium enrichment first

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) _ President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wants negotiations on Iran's nuclear program but won't halt uranium enrichment ahead of talks, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Sunday after

Sunday, September 3rd 2006, 9:48 am

By: News On 6

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) _ President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wants negotiations on Iran's nuclear program but won't halt uranium enrichment ahead of talks, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Sunday after meeting the Iranian leader.

``On the nuclear issue, the president reaffirmed to me Iran's preparedness and commitment to hold negotiations'' with Western powers to find a solution to the impasse over Tehran's nuclear activities, Annan said.

However, Ahmadinejad ``reiterated that he did not accept suspension before negotiations,'' Annan told a joint press conference with Iranian Foreign Minister Manoucher Mottaki.

Ahmadinejad also reaffirmed his support for the U.N. Middle East cease-fire resolution that included measures to prevent the rearming of Hezbollah, Annan said.