The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Tehran

Iran's top nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, has resigned, a government spokesman said Saturday.

The spokesman, Gholam Hossein Elham, gave no specific reason for the resignation, effective immediately, but said Larijani had cited a desire to focus on "other political activities."

"Larijani had resigned repeatedly. Finally, the president accepted his resignation," Elham told a press conference.

Elham said Saeed Jalili, a deputy foreign minister for European and American affairs, was to succeed Larijani.

The United States and its allies accuse Iran of secretly trying to build a nuclear weapon. Tehran denies the charge, saying its program is peaceful and aims to generate electricity, and has refused to give in to international demands that it halt uranium enrichment.

Elham stressed that Iran's nuclear policy would not change because of Larijani's resignation.