Ahmadinejad Talks Tough on Nuclear Issue

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Tuesday Iran would suspend uranium enrichment only if western countries do the same.

Speaking at a public rally in the northern Iranian city of Rasht, Ahmadinejad indicated Iran would not comply with a U.N. Wednesday deadline of suspending enrichment, a step that can either be used for nuclear power generation or for nuclear weapons.

If we are supposed to suspend (nuclear activities) for the sake of negotiations, then you should suspend your nuclear activities as well, Ahmadinejad said. Those attempting to pretend that they are supporting talks on the issue through contradictory slogans and claims should know that negotiation is only possible under just and equal conditions and that no preconditions will be acceptable.

In late December, the U.N. Security Council voted unanimously in support of economic sanctions against Tehran for its refusal to stop the enrichment to allow talks to begin.