The UNSC previously issued two resolutions (Nr 1696 and 1737) with similar objectives. Needless to say, none of these documents helped its architects - the United States, Britain, France and Germany - in achieving their objectives.

It can now be stressed that all of the above-mentioned powers have failed to pressure Iran through the world body. Their tactics have in fact had an adverse effect. To say the least, they have expedited Iran's nuclear programme, decreased transparency following curbs on Iran's voluntary cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and only complicated the case by adding to the level of mistrust between the two sides. Such a wrong approach will naturally result in a series of tit-for-tat moves from both sides. So, more restrictions and a narrowing down of options to address the nuclear issue should be expected.

However, other options could still be available and as confrontation follows confrontation, the opposite is also true. Iran strongly believes in the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme and is ready to pave the way for others to come to the same conclusion through vision and wisdom. We are cognisant of the fact that some governments might have questions, ambiguities or even concerns about the nature of Iran's peaceful nuclear programme. Such concerns can be removed within the framework of the non-proliferation treaty of which Iran is a signatory.

It goes without saying that all countries are entitled to have their own valid concerns about the divergence of nuclear programmes of other countries.

As such, Iran too is seriously concerned about the nuclear programmes of certain countries and powers. It is for this very reason that Tehran as a matter of policy has concentrated on the full implementation, strength and universality of the non-proliferation treaty.

Iran is neither looking for confrontation with other states nor is it trying to achieve something beyond its legitimate rights. We acknowledge the possible concerns that might exist and are ready to remove all the ambiguities through reciprocal good will.

Iran has tried to create the appropriate mechanisms ensuring that there is no diversion in its civilian nuclear programme and has always made constructive proposals in this regard. One such mechanism is the proposal to create a consortium for producing nuclear fuel in Iran with the participation of both government and private sectors of countries that may be interested. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad first proposed the idea at a UN General Assembly meeting in 2005.

Other ideas in line with assuring countries that Iran is in full compliance with International Atomic Energy Agency regulations and the non-proliferation treaty, have persisted. The last time was during the just concluded meeting between the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani and European Union foreign policy chief, Javier Solana.

Unfortunately, each time the West has insisted on irrational preconditions for continuing the talks. Hopefully such a situation will not arise this time. Iran has always been ready to take part in constructive and result-based negotiations and obviously without any precondition whatsoever. The main subject of negotiations should be focused on the question of "non-diversion" to assure the other parties that Iran's programme will remain peaceful. The ultimate goal of going to the negotiating table is and should be to find a comprehensive negotiated solution, addressing concerns and meeting the needs of the negotiating parties.

 If the objectives are clear and transparent, care should be taken not to politicise legal and technical issues by imposing unhelpful preconditions. If some powers in the UNSC think by issuing resolutions they can force the great Iranian nation to give in, they are badly mistaken. There is only one-way: negotiations on the basis of goodwill, mutual respect and upholding the rights of the negotiating parties.

 In the April meeting between Solana and Larijani in Ankara some progress was made and both sides agreed that more time is needed to explore new ideas discussed in the Turkish capital. Let's hope the six countries (EU3+3) will put an end to adventurism and that wisdom and realism will prevail in their ranks when the two men meet again in the near future.

Mohsen Pak Aein is the ambassador of Iran to Thailand.

Mohsen Pak Aein

Special to The Nation