Iran wants 'serious talks' with EU on nuclear, other issues
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Luxembourg, Feb 16, SPA/IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi said Tuesday his country wanted serious discussions with the European Union on Iran`s nuclear program as well as its relations with the EU. "We are optimistic," the foreign minister said after talks with Luxembourg`s deputy foreign minister Nicolas Schmit on the current negotiations between the Islamic Republic and EU nations France, Germany and Britain. The EU is seeking a binding pledge from Iran not to pursue a nuclear weapons program in return for improved trade and political relations. "We are doing our best. Both sides have to do their best to reach tangible results. Refraining from statements that may be provocative and disruptive" would help, said Kharrazi. "But it means more efforts, more seriousness, more confidence- building measures for this to be evaluated as a fruitful process. So we have to try harder and be more serious." Luxembourg currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, which hopes to reach a deal with Iran by the end of March. With US President George W. Bush not ruling out military action to prevent Iran obtaining nuclear weapons, Berlin, along with Paris and London, is urgently seeking a European-style diplomatic solution. Kharrazi said Iran wanted the EU to open its market to Iranian products and allow the transfer of technology that his country needs to move forward economically. The Iranian minister is due in Berlin on Wednesday for the ceremonial opening of a prestigious new embassy building in the German capital. He is also scheduled to meet German counterpart Joschka Fischer for one hour of talks on the nuclear issue. /2322/1432
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