Iran will defend nuclear program till the bitter end: Ahmadinejad

Iran will defend nuclear program till the bitter end: Ahmadinejad

RASHT (IRNA) -- Iran will defend its nuclear program to the bitter end, President Mahmud Ahmadinejad said on Thursday.

The Islamic Republic of Iran will give proper response to any global power that might take action against the country, Ahmadinejad stated in his visit to the northern province of Gilan which marked the president’s 25th provincial trip.

“The Iranian people are vigilant and will defend their rights. They will resist the oppressors and will not concede one iota," the president said. Ahmadinejad said that the mentality of the hegemonic powers is that if Iran takes a step back, they'll come rushing forwards, “but if we stand firm, it is they who will be forced to retreat." “Four years ago, they came to us and said we don't trust you. Then, they told us to shut down parts of facilities in Isfahan and Natanz. When we took one step back, they asked for the closure of certain facilities in Isfahan which are not for uranium enrichment at all." “They demanded for more and told us to close research centers at universities,

“They want to force us to implement completely regulations that they don't implement themselves," he added.

The Islamic Republic of Iran would give proper response to any global powers which might take action against this country.

The policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is based on promotion of stability and justice around the world.

“On our nuclear activities, our opponents claim that they do not trust us but they should be well aware of the fact that the world does not trust them even an inch," said the president.

President Mahmud Ahmadinejad said here on Thursday that access to nuclear knowledge was key to national development and preservation of Iranian civilization.

Iran and its neighboring states have common enemies who are “trying to sow discord among Iran's neighboring countries,” he said, adding that Iran is prepared to expand relations with its neighbors.

[link to www.tehrantimes.com]