Iran Quite Serious on Nuclear Talks: FM Zarif
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s foreign minister reiterated the country’s serious attitude toward the talks with world powers on its peaceful nuclear program, putting the ball in the court of the other side to push for a final accord.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran is serious in the talks, and reaching an agreement depends on the other side’s determination,” Mohammad Javad Zarif said in a meeting with former Norwegian prime minister, Kjell Magne Bondevik, in Tehran.
The Norwegian ex-PM is among scores of foreign guests attending the international conference on “World Against Violence and Extremis” (WAVE), held in Tehran.
For his part, Bondevik expressed the hope for an ultimate deal at the conclusion of the negotiations between Iran and the Group 5+1 that would also lift the “unconstructive sanctions” imposed on the Islamic Republic.
Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) wrapped up seven days of intensive nuclear talks in Vienna on November 24 without securing a long-awaited comprehensive deal.
They decided to extend talks on Tehran’s civilian nuclear program for seven more months.
On November 24, 2013, Iran and the G5+1 (alternatively known as the P5+1 or E3+3) signed an interim nuclear deal in the Swiss city of Geneva.
Based on the Geneva deal (the Joint Plan of Action), which came into effect in January, the six nations agreed to provide Iran with some sanctions relief in exchange for Tehran agreeing to limit certain aspects of its nuclear activities during a limited period.
The agreement expired in July, when the parties decided to extend negotiations until November 24 in the hope of clinching a final deal.