Khatami says Iran has never sought WMDs

‘‘We vehemently oppose the manufacture and production of nuclear weapons. For this reason we extend sincere and honest cooperation with the IAEA,’’ Khatami declared.

Iran agreed in October to suspend its uranium enrichment programme and accept intrusive international inspections. In response to a question, Khatami said: ‘‘I categorically deny that there was shipment of nuclear material by North Korea to Iran. We have nothing to hide.’’ He said Iran would continue to cooperate with the IAEA, but had the right to develop the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

‘‘We also expect our friends throughout the world to fulfil their commitments to us,’’ he added, referring to provisions under the NPT Treaty for the sharing of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. He said US ‘‘Noise and fanfare’’ had had no effect on Tehran’s decision to sign the additional protocol with the IAEA allowing for intrusive inspections, but said dialogue with Europe on the issue had helped achieve progress. Khatami, who earlier made a speech lauding the benefits of dialogue in world affairs, was asked whether he would meet US Vice-President Dick Cheney, due in Davos later in the week.

‘‘The dialogue I talked about was a dialogue between scholars and wise men,’’ he replied. He said Iran had not sensed that Washington was ready yet for a dialogue based on mutual respect, but noted there had been ‘‘changes of tone’’ which he hoped were not just a tactical ploy. — (Reuters)