PARIS, April 5 (Xinhuanet) -- Visiting Iranian President Mohammad Khatami said here Tuesday that it is unacceptable for Iran to abandon the peaceful use of nuclear power.

    Khatami was reacting to accusations from the United States thatthe country is using its nuclear power program as a cover for developing nuclear weapons.

    "I hope this problem can be resolved peacefully. But if there is a bid to pressurize us into giving up peaceful nuclear power, that would be unacceptable for us," Khatami said in an interview with the French newspaper Le Figaro published on Tuesday.

    "We are ready to consider any reasonable solution, but we reject the definitive suspension of our activities," he said.

    The president, on his one-day visit here, thought it necessary for Iran and Europe to respect their agreement concluded in Paris which envisions Iran's commitment to the peaceful use of its nuclear activities and Europe's firm guarantee on Iran's security and development.

    "The Europeans must understand that the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and international conventions authorise us topossess nuclear technology for peaceful ends," Khatami said.

    "We know that Europe prefers a diplomatic solution...We hope that the Europeans will be less influenced by the pressure of the Americans and other powers," said the president.

    The United States is threatening to take Iran to the United Nations Security Council if Iran fails to abandon its uranium enrichment program.

    Khatami is expected to address at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and meet with French President Jacques Chirac over nuclear issue. Enditem