On Wednesday, Iran vowed to continue with its nuclear fuel program, disregarding a U.N. deadline to freeze uranium enrichment or face broader sanctions, but guaranteed they would not try to develop atomic weapons, according to Reuters.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad remained defiant during the 60-day grace period Iran had been given on December 23 to stop enriching uranium. The West suspects Iran is trying to make atomic bombs behind the facade of a civilian nuclear energy program. Tehran claims that they only want an alternative source of electricity to maximize oil exports and prepare for when oil reserves run dry.
According to Ahmadinejad, "obtaining this technology is very important for our country's development and honor. It is worth it to stop other activities for 10 years and focus only on the nuclear issue."
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Ahmadinejad, currently in the northern Gilan province for a three-day visit, addressed local residents of Amlash city. He said, "Iran will not retreat one iota in its path to nuclear victory. The Iranian people are vigilant and united in their determination to defend the country's nuclear rights. Today, there are many against Iran's access to peaceful nuclear technology and are trying to put obstacles in our nuclear path in order to prevent us from exercising our rights with the grace of the God. But, their only option is to maintain their friendship and respect for the Iranian nation." He also stated that those who oppose Iran's peaceful nuclear program know that if the nation achieves nuclear power other people will also move in this direction "and then they can no longer maintain their monopoly."
This is the president's 25th visit to various provinces of the country since the start of his initiative of bringing the government closer to the people. He plans on presiding over a cabinet session in the capital, Rasht, to discuss problems and needs within the province before returning to Tehran.
