Indonesian President, Annan discuss Iranian nuclear issue

chinaview, 2006-02-03

JAKARTA, Feb. 3 (Xinhuanet) -- Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had a discussion via telephone from his office in Jakarta with United Nations' Secretary General Kofi Annan on the Iranian nuclear program on Thursday, Presidential Spokesman Dino Patt i Djalal said.

"During his phone talks with the UN Secretary General, the President reiterated the need to maximize efforts through diplomatic channels to solve the problem of the Iranian nuclear program," Antara news agency on Friday quoted the spokesman as saying.

The spokesman disclosed the news in Batam, in Riau province on Thursday, said the report. Dino also said that the President also stressed the importance of efforts to avoid the outbreak of open conflict that could harm the people.

Yudhoyono emphasized the need for Iran to abide by all provisions set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and for the world to listen to IAEA director general's report on March 6, 2006.

"We are waiting for the IAEA director general's report. We alsohope that Iran would soon make a final decision on the Russian offer for the enrichment of its uranium," Dino said.

Yudhoyono, according to Dino, stressed the need to prevent an open conflict because it would affect world oil prices, hoping that no action would be taken against Iran before the IAEA makes its report on March 6.

Dino said Indonesia had a clear position in regard to the Iranian nuclear issue, namely that Iran should have a right to utilize its nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, and that Iran's nuclear program should remain in the corridor of peace.

Yudhoyono on Wednesday had a meeting with Iranian Ambassador to Indonesia Shaban Shahidi Madab at the presidential office to explain Indonesia's stance on the Iranian nuclear energy case.

Russia has offered Iran the enrichment of its uranium.

Iran and Russia would meet on Feb. 16 for "technical negotiations" about the Russian offer for uranium enrichment.