Iran responds to big powers' nuclear offer

By Hashem Kalantari

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran responded on Friday to an incentives package offered by six world powers aimed at resolving a standoff over its disputed nuclear ambitions.

There was no word on the content of Iran's reply -- submitted to EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana -- to the offer of talks on economic and other benefits if Tehran halts nuclear work the West suspects is aimed at making bombs.

Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili, told Solana by telephone that Tehran had prepared its response by concentrating on common ground between the two sides and with a "constructive and creative outlook."

The two agreed to hold further discussions later this month, Iranian state radio said.

Iran's official IRNA news agency said the country's ambassador to Brussels presented its reply to Solana, whose office later confirmed it had received it.

The offer of trade and other incentives proposed by the United States, China, Russia, Germany, Britain and France was presented to Iran by Solana last month.

The six powers have told Iran that formal negotiations on the offer, which includes help to develop a civilian nuclear programme, can start as soon as it suspends uranium enrichment.

Iran has said it is willing to enter talks about the package but has repeatedly rejected demands to stop such nuclear work, which can have both civilian and military uses.