Iran reasserts nuclear rights

TEHRAN, June 12 (UPI) -- An Iranian government spokesman says an international package of concessions was under review, but insisted Iran has an "inalienable" right to nuclear power.

Gholam-Hossein Elham told reporters in Tehran the compromise offer from China, Russia, Britain, France, Germany and the United States made last Tuesday was a "step forward," the state-run IRNA news agency said.

"We will not negotiate with anyone on our inalienable and legal rights, but we are ready to hold talks on all international issues and those of common concern," Elham said.

Sunday, Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, also had positive remarks about the package during a visit to Cairo.

"It has been said that the proposals included both incentives and punishments, but what we received was just a plan with positive points," Larijani said. "There has been no negative point and threats of punishment."

There is concern among some countries Iran is enriching uranium with a goal of developing nuclear weapons, but Iran claims its intention is only to generate electricity.