Iran to offer West 'new package'

Iran's nuclear power plant at Bushehr is close to going online Iran's government says it is preparing a new package of proposals to put to the West. Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said it would concern "political, security and international issues". He was speaking in Tehran hours after G8 leaders said they were appalled at Iran's disputed presidential election. US President Barack Obama said global leaders were also "deeply troubled" by Iran's nuclear programme. Iran denies it is trying to build a nuclear bomb. Mr Mottaki played down international concerns, saying there had been "no new message from the G8". "We are going to present our package which will be a basis to negotiate all regional and international issues," he told a news conference in Tehran, without giving further details. "The package can be a good basis for talks with the West." The US has threatened tough sanctions if Iran rejects offers of engagement over its nuclear programme. Iran says its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, but has been accused by Western countries of seeking nuclear weapons.