29 Mar 2024
Sunday 9 November 2014 - 23:28
Story Code : 128489

Progress in Iran nuclear talks, says Oman foreign minister Alawi

Progress in Iran nuclear talks, says Oman foreign minister Alawi
[caption id="attachment_128490" align="alignright" width="140"] From left, Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, EU special representative Catherine Ashton, Oman Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah and US Secretary of State John Kerry. - ONA[/caption]
Muscat:A five-year quest by Oman to bring peace between the US and Iran saw the Sultanate cement its role as a peacemaker as it hosted historic talks yesterday.
The first day of trilateral talks currently taking place in Muscat between US Secretary of State John Kerry, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and EU special representative Catherine Ashton on Iran's nuclear accords have resulted in some agreements, said Oman's Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah.

Bridging the gap
Following a long day of negotiations, which began yesterday morning and will continue today, bin Alawi said the meetings are a result of five years of efforts by the Sultanate to bridge the gaps between Iran and the West and bring all sides to the table to find a peaceful solution to the Iranian nuclear situation.

These talks, which are part of the ninth round of negotiations, are coming just two weeks ahead of the November 24 deadline to reach an agreement. While some progress was made yesterday, more is anticipated today, he added.

"Today we were able to agree on the big issues and we expect to get a solution to some of the pending issues. They are still talking. They are still talking seriously on a number of issues and I hope they will reach an agreement," bin Alawi said, shortly after the talks wound down.

The meetings also reflect positively on Oman's role as a promoter of peace, said Dr. Abdulmunim Al Hasani, Oman's Minister of Information, who spoke to the media on Sunday afternoon as the talks went on behind closed doors. Oman has played an important role hosting these meetings and helping ease relations between Iran and the West, he said.

"This meeting here in Muscat today is a sign of the successful foreign policy of Oman and the role of Oman in holding these negotiations. We are not part of the negotiations but here we prepare the environment for successful meetings," Al Hasani stated.

He noted that the meetings are a sign of the respect the US, EU and Iran all have for Oman and His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said's leadership and vision. The meetings also reflect the role Oman plays both regionally and internationally as a peace-broker.

"The relationship between Oman and each part of these delegations is excellent and that's why they are here and that's why they respect the role of Oman. We appreciate that," he said.

While Oman is a facilitator and not a participant in the negotiations, Al Hassani said it's an important role and one that is typical of the Sultanate's foreign policy, which is one of encouraging peace, not just for the nuclear talks with Iran, but in general. Oman is known as a country that respects other countries and follows a peaceful agenda with all its international relationships.

"All of us here in Oman we hope that they will be successful meetings and these negotiations will end, not just for us, but for the people in the region and the people in the world," said Al Hasani.

These high-profile talks have also brought Oman into the world spotlight, with social media all abuzz with the hashtag #IranTalksOman. The minister said the meetings are also important for the Sultanate because the participants in the talks have all spoken well of the role Oman has played.

"We hope that these meetings will end with a successful and very good new from Muscat. This is very important for Oman and for the world," he said.

By Times of Oman

 

The Iran Project is not responsible for the content of quoted articles.
https://theiranproject.com/vdcbwwb89rhb5ap.4eur.html
Your Name
Your Email Address