Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (L) and US Secretary of State John Kerry[/caption]Keeping the interim nuclear deal on track, Irans Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and US Secretary of State John Kerryspoke by phone on Saturday.
On Monday, both the Iranian Foreign Minister and the US State Department confirmed that Kerry had called Zarif as the Secretary of State was flying from Israel to Vietnam.
A senior State Department official said the two men discussed the importance of moving forward on implementation of the Joint Plan of Action they agreed to in Geneva and of maintaining a constructive atmosphere as the negotiations continue.
The conversation came 48 hours after the US Treasurys blacklisting of another 19 Iranian companies and individuals for links to Irans nuclear program. The step provoked strong criticism from the Supreme Leader, key officials, and leading MPs. Irans lead nuclear negotiator Abbas Araqchi said Tehran was considering the situation.
Over the weekend, Zarif reassured that implementation of the interim deal was proceeding in part, it appears, because of the discussion with Kerry.
Without referring specifically to the phone call, Zarif told The Washington Post:
Ive been in contact with American officials as well as other 5+1 officials, as well as [lead negotiator for the 5+1 Powers] Cathy Ashton. And everybody is trying to seek possibilities to move forward.
What I have heard from Secretary Kerry and Lady Ashton is that they are committed to an early finalization of the Geneva process with a view to reaching a comprehensive agreement.
I share that objective. Im sure that we will hit other obstacles on our way.
Another boost to the deal came on Monday from the European Unions Foreign Ministers, which agreed to suspend the EU sanctions spelled out in the November 24 agreement International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has verified Irans implementation of certain measures over uranium enrichment:
The European Council issued a statement:
The Council welcomes the recent success in nuclear talks between the E3+3 and Iranand endorses the agreement on a Joint Plan of Action reached on 24 November in Geneva.
A swift implementation of the voluntary measures by all sides is now key.
The lead negotiators for the two sides, Deputy Foreign Minister Araqchi and the European Unions Ashton, willmeet in Brusselson Tuesday morning.
By Ea World View
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