Annan Says Iran Wants to Discuss Nukes

The Associated Press
January 12, 2006
The Washington Post
Original Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/12/AR2006011201283.html

UNITED NATIONS -- U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Iran's top nuclear negotiator told him Thursday that Tehran was interested in serious and constructive negotiations with Britain, France and Germany over its atomic program.
During a 40-minute telephone conversation, he said, Ali Larijani said Iran wanted to resume negotiations with the Europeans, but this time favored a deadline.
He affirmed to me that they are interested in serious and constructive negotiations but within a timeframe, indicating that the last time they did it for 2 1/2 years and no result, Annan told reporters.
The statement came after the British, French and German foreign ministers said negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program had reached a dead end and the Islamic republic should be referred to the U.N. Security Council, which could impose sanctions.