Iranian FM Calls for Europe's "Responsible Interaction" in N. Talks
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called on European countries to play a more responsible role in support for the nuclear talks between Tehran and world powers.
In a Wednesday meeting with Portuguese Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho, Zarif updated the European official on the latest status of the negotiations between Iran and the Group 5+1 (the five permanent UNSC members plus Germany) over Tehran's nuclear issue.
He further urged European countries to have a "responsible interaction" in support for the ongoing talks.
The latest round of negotiations between Iran and the sextet in the Swiss city of Lausanne resulted in a framework nuclear deal on April 2, with both sides committed to push for a final, comprehensive accord until the end of June.
The Portuguese premier, for his part, noted that reaching a comprehensive agreement would benefit Iran and the European negotiating sides as well as other countries.
Coelho expressed the hope that Iran and the Group 5+1 could reach a final accord, noting, however, that there will be "numerous difficulties" on the way requiring the two sides to take "confidence-building steps" in the remaining time.
Iran and six world powers are expected to start drafting a final deal next week. Zarif announced on Tuesday that the next round of negotiations will kick off on April 21 at the level of deputy foreign ministers and experts.