Iran says talks with western leaders "constructive

The talks "are constructive at this level" and further negotiations are needed to find a solution that could address concerns of both sides, Larijani told a press conference after the close of the three-day security meeting.

Larijani met with EU chief diplomat Javier Solana and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, which is the first time since limited UN. sanctions were imposed in December.

Earlier in the day at the meeting, the top negotiator said Iran is prepared to settle all outstanding issues with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN nuclear watchdog, within three weeks.

The IAEA has said it has found no evidence that Iran is trying to build nuclear weapons but it accused Iran of concealing certain nuclear activities and suspended some aid to Iran.

Larijani insisted that Iran has no intention of developing nuclear weapons, however, having peaceful nuclear technology is " the will of Iranian people."

Still, the top negotiator called for continued constructive dialogue between Iran and the west, noting that different cultures with different historic background have to be respected.

"We don't want to aggravate the situation in the region," he said.

Larijani's remarks came one day after German Chancellor Angela Merkel said at the same meeting that Iran must accept western demands over nuclear crisis or otherwise face international isolation.

"If Iran does not do so then the alternative for Iran is to slip further into isolation," said Merkel, whose country holds the rotating EU presidency.

Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said Friday that the international community should show more determination, including military pressure, against Iran.

The world can not afford a nuclear Iran which could have "the aspiration to take over the whole region," said Livni in an opening speech at the Munich security conference.

"Israel always believes in diplomatic efforts but military means could be a complement to diplomacy," said the minister.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday at the meeting that the international community should address the concerns of Iran in the process of seeking a solution to Iran's nuclear crisis.

"We should not corner Iran into a hostile environment," said Putin at a high-profile security conference in the southern German city of Munich.

There is no evidence, after all, that Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons, said Putin.

Some 250 top officials from over 40 countries participated in the 43rd Munich security conference which closed on Sunday.

The three-day meeting, entitled "global crisis, global responsibilities," highlighted NATO's role, the Middle East peace process, transatlantic relations, the West's relations with Russia and the fight against international terrorism.