Iran: 'no nuclear retreat'

Iran "will not retreat one iota" over its nuclear programme, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has warned.

Six world powers gave the Islamic republic two weeks to answer calls to rein in its nuclear activities or face tougher sanctions at a meeting in Geneva on Saturday.

But in a defiant message broadcast live on state television, Mr Ahmadinejad said: "The Iranian nation will not retreat one iota in the face of oppressing powers. The Iranian nation has chosen its path."

Addressing the major powers which have offered economic incentives in return for Tehran halting its most sensitive atomic work, he said: "If you come forward based on law, justice and logic, the Iranian nation will negotiate on important global issues and will co-operate in solving the problems of humanity."

Iran has repeatedly ruled out suspending its uranium enrichment programme, as the West says it must before formal negotiations on an incentives package can start.

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