AUSTRIA - Iran sets out nuke stipulations

VIENNA (AP):

Iran has formally set out its terms for giving up most of its cache of enriched uranium in a confidential document and the conditions fall short of what has been demanded by the United States and other world powers.

The document seen by The Associated Press yesterday says Tehran is ready to hand over the bulk of its stockpile, as called for under a deal brokered by the International Atomic Energy Agency and endorsed by the five permanent United Nations (UN) Security Council members and Germany.

But Iran adds that it must simultaneously receive fuel rods for its research reactor in return, and that such an exchange must take place on Iranian territory. The Iranian offer is sure to be rejected by the six powers, which have waited for nearly six months for such an official answer.

The US and others fear Iran's nuclear programme is geared towards making nuclear weapons, while Tehran claims it is simply to provide more power for its growing population.

The UN has slapped sanctions on Iran for its defiance on nuclear issues.