New FM, EU's Ashton Discuss Iran's N. Issue


New FM, EU's Ashton Discuss Iran's N. Issue

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton and the new Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a phone talk discussed ways for finding a diplomatic solution to Iran's nuclear issue.

Saturday's Phone call made by the EU top diplomat to the Iranian minister of foreign affairs to congratulate him on his new post.

According to a statement issued by Ashton’s office, she underlined her “continued determination and commitment to seek a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.”

The statement added that Ms. Ashton said the five permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany, whom she represents in the negotiations "were ready to work with the new Iranian negotiating team as soon as they were appointed."

She said that there is a dire need to “substantial talks that will lead to concrete results swiftly” today.

Earlier in the day, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had said that he was eager to resume talks after four rounds of talks since last year failed to produce results.

"We are ready to engage in serious and substantial talks without wasting time," Rouhani said, while warning that Iran was not prepared to be bullied by threats from the West.

The United States and the European Union have imposed illegal unilateral sanctions against Iran over the false claim that Iran's nuclear energy program includes a military component.

Iran rejects the allegation, arguing that numerous inspections of its nuclear sites by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have invariably failed to find any diversion towards military purposes.

 

 

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