The Supreme Leader�s top foreign policy advisor, Ali Akbar Velayati,�has reaffirmed�Ayatollah Khamenei�s continuing support for nuclear talks with the 5+1 Powers while maintaining that there is �no deadlock� in discussions.
Velayati said on Saturday, after a meeting with a senior French official in Tehran, �Since the nuclear issue was first raised, the Islamic Republic of Iran has never turned away from the negotiations and (we) always favor and support the continuation of the talks.�

Iranian officials have expressed disappointment at the lack of progress in last week�s fourth round of negotiations on a comprehensive nuclear agreement, while emphasizing that the atmosphere is still constructive.

Another round of discussions is foreseen for May. Iran and the 5+1 Powers are hoping for a comprehensive settlement ahead of the July 20 expiry of an interim Joint Plan of Agreement.

Iran�s lead negotiator, Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi,�reiterated on State TV on Saturday�that the talks were �tough� but on the right path.

Araqchi maintained Iran�s development of a heavy-water reactor at Arak, despite Western concerns over the production of plutonium by-product that could be used in a militarized nuclear program.

Tehran has offered the re-design of the reactor, due on-line at the end of 2014, to reduce plutonium by 80%.

By EA WorldView

 

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