November 2, 2009 Clinton: Not altering Iran nuclear offer

MARRAKECH, Morocco (AP) - U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says the offer to Iran to exchange its low-enriched uranium by having it shipped to Russia will not be altered, despite Iranian efforts to seek a modified deal.

Clinton addressed the issue at a news conference in which she called this a pivotal moment for Iran.

She told reporters that Iranian acceptance of the deal would indicate Iran does not want to be isolated from the world community. But she quickly added that Iran has already agreed to the deal in principle and that - to use her words - "we are not altering it."

Iran has indicated that it wants to purchase higher-enriched uranium from abroad rather than shipping its low-enriched uranium to Russia for further enrichment.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)