Special report: Iran Nuclear Crisis

    TEHRAN, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Iranian government spokesman Gholam-Hossein Elham said here on Monday that Iran will continue its peaceful-purpose uranium enrichment activities on its soil.

    Elham made the assertion at his weekly press conference in response to a question on the current visit of Russian Security Council Secretary Igor Ivanov to Iran.

    Russia had earlier advised Iran to shift its controversial uranium enrichment to Russia, which was rejected by Tehran. "The sides have not held talks on suspension of enrichment by Iran in its territory," Elham told reporters.

    He also denied that the two sides have talked about moving Iran's uranium enrichment to Russia.

    The spokesman defended his country's ongoing peaceful-purpose uranium enrichment as in accordance with rules and regulations of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

    "Iran is conducting uranium enrichment in order to produce nuclear fuel. Enrichment by up to 3.5 to 5 percent is enough for this purpose," said Elham.

    Meanwhile, he stressed that Iran's nuclear case should be settled within the framework of the IAEA.

    "If the IAEA will take control of Iran's nuclear case, all international and legal supervision will be continued. This will be beneficial for all sides," Elham added.

    Commenting on current talks with Russia, Elham said that "bilateral talks were very good and positive."

    "Iran has good and regular contact with Russia. Talks with Russia will further continue on all issues of mutual interest," he added.

    Ivanov, who is accompanied by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Kislyak, arrived in Tehran Saturday night for talks with senior Iranian officials on Iran's nuclear program. Tehran is under intense international pressure to stop its uranium enrichment and the United States accuses Iran of using its civilian nuclear program as a cover to achieve an atomic bomb. Iran denied the charge and insisted its nuclear program is only for peaceful use.

    The five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany are expected to have more talks on a decision to offer Iran a package of incentives in return for Iran's suspension of its nuclear activities, after their London talks on May 24 stopped short of making a final agreement.

    Foreign ministers of the six nations were likely to meet on Thursday in the Austrian capital of Vienna to discuss the matter. Enditem