Irans Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif ( AFP)[/caption]Irans Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says Iran and the P5+1 group are close to reaching a final deal over the Islamic Republics nuclear energy program, adding that details are now being worked out in the talks.
We are done with the generalities and have begun discussing details. Irans uranium enrichment program and the continuation of the nuclear program have been approved, Zarif said.
Stating that it has been agreed that all sanctions against the Islamic Republic be removed, Zarif said, We have no disagreements on the core issues, but what is troubling is the details.
Although there exist serious differences of opinion on the details, they can be settled with the other sides political will, he said.
Zarif further emphasized the peaceful nature of Irans nuclear activities, saying that the Islamic Republic has no problem in providing the necessary assurances in this regard.
Stressing that sanctions were not a proper way to settle differences, Zarif said a solution is not far from reach to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue, advising the parties involved in the nuclear talks to stop exerting pressure on Iran.
Irans Foreign Minister also said the European Union (EU) can play a more active role in the negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 countries over the Islamic Republics nuclear energy program.
Zarif assessed as positive the European countries current approach of opposing the imposition of more sanctions against Tehran and trying out diplomacy.
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Irans Deputy Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi also said the marathon of nuclear negotiations with the P5+1 group is not easy due to the divisions among the six powers involved in the talks with Iran.
A high-level Iranian delegation, headed by Araqchi, is in the Turkish city of Istanbul for nuclear negotiations with representatives from France, Britain and Germany.
Well, we had something about eight hours of tense discussions between the two sides, very tense and intensive. At both levels of deputy ministers and experts, we reviewed the key questions in our negotiations, Ararqchi said.
He also described the talks as very useful, saying that the atmosphere of the negotiations was good.
We are also optimistic that these negotiations can lead us to an acceptable, balanced comprehensive deal between the two sides on the peaceful nuclear program of Iran. We are trying our best, Araqchi said.
The Iranian diplomat also said that efforts are underway so that an interim political agreement could be sealed by March, stressing the need for seriousness, good will and strong political will for a breakthrough in the talks.
Hans-Dieter Lucas, Simon Lawrance Gass and Nicolas de Riviere, respectively represent Germany, the UK and France in the Istanbul talks with Iran.
Helga Schmid, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherinis deputy, is also attending the negotiations.
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Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham said the Islamic Republic seeks to reach an agreement with the six countries as soon as possible, but not at any price.
She said that Iran is using every possible opportunity to contribute to the negotiations.
Iran has presented certain initiatives and proposals to the other side to lead the talks out of stalemate, Afkham said.
She described the talks as complicated, tough and sensitive and said gaps have been narrowed to a little extent and that the two sides are now discussing details and technical issues.
Afkham reiterated that a nuclear deal is possible if more good faith and political will is demonstrated to work out details.
In another development she has condemned as state terrorism Israels recent airstrike that killed a top Iranian commander in Syrias Golan Heights, saying the Islamic Republic will pursue the matter through diplomatic channels.
Marzieh Afkham dismissed as an instance of state terrorism the Israeli raid that killed six Hezbollah members as well as Iranian commander Brigadier General Mohammad Ali Allahdadi.
We will pursue the matter through diplomatic means and political channels, Afkham said.
The Iranian official said that the world is witnessing a wave of state terrorism, calling on countries to recognize the real threat facing the globe and work toward restoring security.
Irans Foreign Ministry has also denounced terrorist attacks across Egypts volatile Sinai Peninsula, urging regional countries to reinforce their unity in the fight against terrorism and extremism.
Such terrorist moves are aimed at keeping Muslim and regional countries busy with secondary issues and distracting them from the main and top priority of the Muslim world that is support for the Palestinian people, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham said.
She stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation and solidarity among countries in the region to battle extremism and terrorism.
By Iran Review
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