The Supreme Leaders top foreign policy advisor, Ali Akbar Velayati,has reaffirmedAyatollah Khameneis 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 weeks 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.
Irans lead negotiator, Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi,reiterated on State TV on Saturdaythat the talks were tough but on the right path.
Araqchi maintained Irans 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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