3 More Rounds of N. Talks Scheduled: Zarif
VIENNA (Tasnim) – The marathon talks between Iran and the sextet of world powers over Tehran's peaceful nuclear energy program are expected to continue for at least two more months, said the Iranian foreign minister and chief negotiator on Tuesday.
Mohammad Javad Zarif said 3 rounds of nuclear negotiations have already been scheduled and are to be held as of July 20th when the interim six-month deal between Iran and the six world powers expires.
“Iran is serious to reach a final agreement,” said Zarif upon arrival in the Austrian city of Vienna on the eve of the fourth round of nuclear talks between Iran and the Group 5+1 (the five permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany).
However, the Iranian foreign minister noted that there is still much to do as tangibles results are not expected in this round of negotiations.
Iran and the six world powers clinched an interim nuclear deal in the Swiss city of Geneva on November 24, 2013.
The breakthrough agreement (the Joint Plan of Action), which has come into effect since January 20, stipulates that over the course of six months, Iran and the six countries will draw up a comprehensive nuclear deal which will lead to a lifting of the whole sanctions on Iran.
The two sides are now prepared to hold a new round of high-profile talks in Vienna as early as Wednesday. The three day talks are expected to focus on drafting an agreement that will provide a comprehensive solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.
