The New Nation - Internet Edition

Reuters, Kampala

Iran said on Thursday it was ready to negotiate over a new package of economic incentives put forward by major powers seeking to persuade Tehran to curb its nuclear work.

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki told a news conference in the Ugandan capital Kampala that the six-the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany-should also take a serious look at Tehran's own proposals.

"We have informed them of our readiness to negotiate. The package given by the P5+1 countries is currently under consideration and at the appropriate time Teheran will give its reactions," Mottaki said.

After handing over the offers to Iran on Saturday, EU policy chief Javier Solana reaffirmed the six powers wanted Iran to suspend enrichment during talks on the offer-a precondition the Islamic Republic has repeatedly rejected.

Iran said it was ready to review the proposals, but Tehran seems in no hurry to respond.

"We also have what we call the Iranian package which we have sent to the P5+1 countries and we hope they consider it as we consider theirs," added Mottaki, in Uganda for a meeting of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference.

A senior Iranian nuclear official, who asked not to be named, told Reuters on Tuesday Iran's answer would not be a straight yes-or-no answer, adding that it would be a "discussable response." An Iranian official said on Thursday time was on Iran's side.