Technical talks will resume this week on implementation of the November 24 interim nuclear deal between Iran and the 5+1 Powers.
The first set of technical talks, lasting four days in Vienna, was held last week. Issues included Iran’s suspension of enrichment of 20% uranium and the easing of US-led sanctions. The International Atomic Energy Agency also visited Tehran last week, discussing issues such as the inspection of the Arak heavy-water nuclear reactor, due to be completed in late 2014.

Last week’s talks were overtaken by public friction over the US Treasury’s addition of 19 Iranian companies and individuals to a blacklist for supporting Tehran’s nuclear program. However, at the weekend, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif assured that the implementation of the interim agreement will continue.
mpanies and individuals for “providing support” for Tehran’s nuclear program.

On Tuesday, Iran’s lead negotiator, Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, confirmed the imminent resumption of the technical discussions after he met his counterpart for the 5+1 Powers, the European Union’s Catherine Ashton, in Brussels.

Appearing on State TV last night, Foreign Minister Zarif said the continuation of the talks was defeating Israel’s “Iranophobia” campaign, which had tried to undermine the interim agreement through pressure on Washington: “The Islamic republic will continue the path…because we believe that our nuclear program is completely peaceful and those who have created threats are the threats themselves.”

By EA WorldView

 

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