AFP , Istanbul, Aug 14, 2008 (excerpts) – Iran is open to dialogue to resolve the standoff on its controversial nuclear programme, but will not give up its right to possess atomic energy, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Thursday.

But negotiations had to take into account Iran’s right to develop nuclear energy technology, he added.

“Those who do not respect that will lose themselves. There will be no change in the will of the Iranian people,” said Ahmadinejad.

Western powers suspect Tehran’s nuclear programme are a cover for the development of the atomic bomb, but Ahmadinejad said the allegations were a reflection of Washington’s “ill will” towards Tehran.

Iran is risking a possible fourth round of UN sanctions after it failed to give a clear response to an incentives package offered by six major world powers in return for halting its uranium enrichment activities.

Gul, for his part, stressed that the incentive package offered to Iran was “a new and very important window of opportunity” for a peaceful solution.

“We expect the negotiation process to continue with the good will of all parties… and reach a positive outcome in a short time,” Gul said, pledging Turkey’s assistance to help the negotiations.