Friday, January 27 2006 14:38 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Tehran: A Russian proposal to carry out sensitive nuclear fuel work outside Iran to allay fears Tehran is seeking the bomb is 'not sufficient' for the Iranians, a top nuclear negotiator said today (Jan 27,2006). . "The Russian proposal is not sufficient for Iran's nuclear energy needs," Ali Larijani told reporters on his arrival back from China.

But the head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council did add that "One can not say that it is a negative proposal" and said talks with Moscow would continue.

"The Russian proposal has certain capabilities, but this capability is not sufficient for Iran's nuclear technology," he said.

"We had a round of talks over it and we will do the next round," he said.

Moscow's idea to enrich uranium outside Iran is seen as a way out of a growing crisis over Iran's nuclear ambitions and has been backed as a possible solution by China, the United States and European Union.

Iran says it only wants to make nuclear fuel, although the ultra-sensitive process of enriching uranium can be diverted to making weapons.

Iran first appeared cool over the Russian idea, then implicitly rejected it and then embraced it. Some Western diplomats have accused Iranians of trying to buy time and avoid being referred to the UN Security Council.

The International Atomic Energy Agency's 35-nation board is to hold an emergency meeting on Iran on February 2.