Iran close to decision on nuclear program

November 13, 2004 Iranian representatives say negotiations with Europe on are in the final stages.

, Kamal Kharazi, told state television Saturday Iranian negotiators have given their final response to a European Union proposal to suspend Iran's enrichment program. He said it is now up to the Europeans to decide whether or not to accept their decision.

Iran and the European Union's big three powers &mdash; Britain, Germany, and France &mdash; have been negotiating a deal under which would agree to freeze sensitive nuclear work to avoid possible  sanctions.

U.S., says that Iran's nuclear program is intended to make. Iran authorities have insisted that their nuclear ambitions are limited to generating electricity from atomic energy plants, not making bombs.

Critics of the position of the United States point to Israel's nuclear program. Israel maintains a policy of nuclear ambiguity, but is widely believed to possess at least 82 nuclear weapons. The program has not been condemned by the United States.