Iran signals initiative in nuke row

Iran, defying the West over its disputed nuclear program, said yesterday it would soon unveil proposals aimed at resolving "international" and other problems.

Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki made the announcement when asked about a meeting of six major powers in China on Wednesday to discuss whether to increase incentives to Teheran to curb work they fear could produce an atom bomb.

Iran, the world's fourth-largest oil producer, says it wants nuclear power to generate electricity to meet booming demand and has ruled out halting its activities in exchange for trade and other benefits.