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Iran hopes to start atomic work by early next week

Posted on: Wednesday, 3 August 2005, 10:39 CDT

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran hopes to resume atomic fuel work by early next week, chief nuclear negotiator Hassan Rohani said, backtracking from Tehran's remarks earlier on Wednesday that it was looking to restart later in the day.

"We hope to restart work by the beginning of next week when preparations are complete," he told state television, referring to the need to get U.N. surveillance equipment in place before Iran can resume its disputed fuel cycle.

Iran's proposed resumption of its atomic fuel cycle is threatening to derail talks with the European Union, which is trying to find a diplomatic solution to a dispute over whether Iran is seeking nuclear arms.

When asked whether he would soon be leaving his current role, Rohani replied: "I believe so."

He said that his role would either be taken over by the foreign minister or a new secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, after new President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad appoints his cabinet.

However, he added that this new order would not change Iran's policy on the atomic program.

Source: REUTERS

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