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Time ripe for Iran, Europe to enter into nuclear talks: Asefi

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, July 16, IRNA
Iran-Asefi-Nuclear
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi here Sunday said that time has been ripe for Iran and Europe to enter into detailed talks on a package of incentives offered to Tehran by the Group 5+1.

Asefi made the remark while addressing domestic and foreign reporters at his weekly press conference on a package of incentives offered to Iran by the UN Security Council's five permanent members -- Russia China, US, UK and France -- plus Germany on June 6 through EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana in exchange for suspension of uranium enrichment and resumption of talks to settle the dispute over its nuclear program.

Referring to two rounds of talks recently held between Secretary of Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani and Solana, he said, "The two sides stressed that negotiations were a right path in principle and that both sides could reach a result through this way.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran also stressed that threatening actions will not be effective.

"During the talks, Iran announced that it regards the proposed package as an appropriate and acceptable base for continuation of work (on Iran's nuclear standoff).

"But the package should be modified. The two sides should achieve their goals through negotiations."

The spokesman added, "Currently, we are not in a position to speak about acceptance or rejection of the package. Serious talks can be constructive in this respect."

He said the proposed package had different aspects, adding, "The two sides should build confidence. It is now a matter of question whether the two sides believe in a long-term and strategic work." Asefi referred to the talks between Larijani and Solana, saying "Larijani has stressed that referral of Iran's nuclear case to the UN Security Council will be tantamount to blocking and rejection of talks."

He said, "Negotiations will get out of its natural course through referral of the case to the Security Council."

The spokesman said, "The proposed package is open now. Larijani, in his meeting with Solana, raised Iran's views on the ambiguities of the package.

"It is natural, the ball is now in Europe's court. Iran has expressed its stance and viewpoints with respect to different issues."

Asked about setting preconditions in nuclear talks, he said, "We think setting preconditions will limit talks.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has favored talks with no preconditions from the beginning."

He said the European sides has called on Iran not to disclose content of the package, adding, "We respect their request.

"Currently, the package is open and experts can study it." He stated that the European side informed the press of the package, stressing, "This confirms Iran's claims about (existence of ambiguities)."

Asefi said, "We confirm what press said about content of the package."
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