Iran's Top Nuclear Negotiator Resigns

World | October 20, 2007, Saturday // 00:00
Iran's Top Nuclear Negotiator Resigns Iranian top nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani had resigned for "personal reasons", a government spokesman said Saturday. Photo by CNN

Iranian top nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani had resigned for "personal reasons", a government spokesman said Saturday, cited by CNN.

Such a step is seen as a victory for hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that could bring about an even tougher stance in ongoing talks between Iran and the West.

Larijani was seen as a figure committed to a diplomatic solution over Iran's nuclear program.

"Larijani had resigned repeatedly. Finally, the president accepted his resignation," the spokesman announced.

As the Larijani steps down, his successor is to replace him at the meeting with the European Union foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, scheduled for Tuesday in Rome, would still take place.

Ahmadinejad was elected president in 2005 and appointed Larijani, a former Revolutionary Guards Corps commander, to replace Hasan Rowhani, considered a moderate politician.

The United States and some of its allies accuse Iran of secretly trying to develop nuclear weapons. Iran denies the claim, saying its program is for peaceful purposes including generating electricity.

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