Iran's "Package for Constructive Negotiations"
On 13 May 2008, Iran presented its proposal for talks with the 5+1 group, entitled, "Package for Constructive Negotiations", to the United Nations.
Contrary to the expectations of many analysts, the package does not seek security guarantees from the US. It rejects the current carrot and stick approach of the 5+1 group and instead proposes wide-ranging and comprehensive negotiations with the goal of reaching mutually beneficial solutions for collaboration on (1) political and security issues, (ii) economic issues and (iii) the nuclear issue.
On the nuclear programme, while reiterating Iran's position that it will not suspend enrichment activities which are within its inalienable rights and fully supervised by the IAEA, the document expresses Iran's willingness to negotiate the implementation by the IAEA of an improved and a more strict inspection regime. It also proposes a committee to follow up nuclear disarmament as required by Article VI of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The document also for the first time offers broad discussions regarding contentious issues such as human rights and democracy as well as cooperation to assist the Palestinian people to resolve their 60 year long problem.
An unofficial English translation of the document has been obtained by CASMII from ISIS and can be downloaded from here:
http://www.campaigniran.org/casmii/files/iran_package_for_constructive_negotiations.pdf
For more information or to contact CASMII visit http://www.campaigniran.org