ATHENS, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- An Iranian senior official said here on Thursday that the proposal by EU was positive and could betaken as a starting point of further negotiations for the ongoing nuclear crisis.

    Deputy Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Mohammad Nahavandian told reporters after meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis that Iran saw the EU proposal, which gives incentives for Iran to halt its uranium enrichment program, in a positive way, adding that it could be a basis for commencing negotiations and cooperation in various sectors.

    "Instead of displaying such great sensitivity to strict timetables and deadlines, let us focus on the essence. Very good prospects may arise from a constructive negotiation," he said.

    "Iran is prepared for an immediate commencement of consensus cooperation, anywhere," he added, stressing that the discussions could also include Iran's nuclear program.

    During their talks, he briefed Bakoyannis in detail on Tehran's positions on the nuclear program issue, in view of Greece's assumption on Friday of the rotating UN Security Council presidency for the month of September. Enditem