Won't give up nuclear rights: Iran

Tehran, April 12 (IANS) Iran has said it will attend the planned nuclear talks in Istanbul later this week but will not compromise on its right to atomic energy.

Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili said Tehran will offer "new initiatives" at the talks Saturday with UN Security Council's five permanent members plus Germany.

"We hope the G5+1 countries will also enter talks with constructive approaches," Xinhua quoted him as saying Wednesday.

Jalili lauded Iran's accomplishments, particularly the production of fuel rods for its nuclear reactor and said the country will defend its rights, implying it will not yield to Western pressure over its controversial nuclear programme at the talks.

On Sunday, the New York Times reported that the US and its Western allies will set demands for the upcoming talks. They include immediate closure of the underground Fordo nuclear facility in central Iran and a freeze on 20-percent uranium enrichment.

Western nations believe Iran is trying to acquire nuclear weapons through its nuclear porgramme, but Tehran says it is meant for producing electricity.