国际英语新闻：Iran hopes for constructive October talks with major powers

TEHRAN, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- Iran's representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) voiced hope on Sunday that upcoming talks between Iranian officials and representatives of the U.S., Russia and France would be held in a constructive atmosphere.

Officials of Iran and the three major powers have agreed to hold a meeting in Vienna on Oct. 19 on the possible provision of higher-grade uranium for Iran's research reactor in Tehran.

    "The meeting will be held following Iran's request for the supply of fuel for Tehran's reactor," Ali Asghar Soltanieh was quoted by the semi-official Fars news agency as saying.

File photo taken shows that International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei (L) walks with Iran's Ambassador to the IAEA Ali Asghar Soltanieh (R) as he arrives at Imam Khomeini International airport, 35 km (22 miles) south of Tehran October 3, 2009

    Iran agreed on Oct. 1 to send its low-enriched uranium to France and Russia in exchange for enriched material, to a level still unsuitable for weapons, to be used in its research reactor in Tehran.

    The agreement was reached between Iran and six major powers, namely the United States, France, Britain, Russia, China and Germany, in Geneva.

    France and Russia proposed to provide Tehran with its demand.

    "Iran has basically agreed with their proposals but the technical details and other aspects of the issue will be discussed in the meeting," Soltanieh was quoted as saying.

    It is much clear that the IAEA is responsible for coordination and surveillance of the related nuclear materials, he added.

    Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Wednesday that Iran is ready to buy its needed nuclear fuel from any country even from the United States.

    After the Oct. 1 meeting, the six major powers and Iran also agreed to hold a second round of meeting focusing on Iran's nuclear issue by the end of this month.