Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei on Thursday said that the "honorable move of Iranian youth to access indigenous nuclear technology is a historical move," contributing to promotion of civilization and urged that it should expand in various directions.
Speaking at a gathering of the officials of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization (IAEO) and a number of nuclear scientists and experts, the Supreme Leader said that science and technology are the major keys to progress, power and prosperity of every country. "Any nation determined to build up its own destiny should seek such a key," added Ayatollah Khamenei, according to IRNA.
Ayatollah Khamenei assessed the Iranian scientists' access to the outstanding and complicated nuclear technology as more significant than the exploration and extraction of oil.
Turning to the hue and cry raised over the issue in the West, the Supreme Leader said, "Iran will not contend to such pressure. The growing trend of this scientific move is the major goal set by Iran."
Putin
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said during a meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that all countries, including Iran, have the right to access peaceful nuclear technology. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the sixth summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held Thursday.
According to IRNA, the two presidents discussed major bilateral, regional and international issues during their meeting, which lasted over an hour. Putin said he believed all countries, including Iran, had the right to materialize their goals and objectives in the field of high technology subject to the requirements of the non-proliferation regime.
