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Solana says no deadline put on Iran

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Brussels, Sept 2, IRNA
EU-Iran-Finland
EU high representative for a common foreign and security policy, Javier Solana, said Saturday that he will meet Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, at the beginning of next week to begin talks on Iran's nuclear program.

"The date and venue where the meeting will take place is being worked out probably right now. I can tell you it will be at the beginning of next week." Solana told a press conference following a two-day informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in the Finnish town of Lappeenranta Saturday afternoon.

"I cannot tell you exactly the date, place and hour," he added.

The press conference was carried live by the current Finnish EU Presidency and monitored by IRNA in Brussels.

Solana said the Iranians are aware of the importance of the forthcoming meeting.

"They want to start negotiations immediately. But negotiations means to meet with myself plus the P-5 plus Germany," he said clarifying that he will hold one or two sessions with Iran's top nuclear negotiator to clarify some of the issues that were presented in the two papers by the Iranians.

"These meetings are not negotiations. They are for clarification," he said.

Asked if the EU has set a deadline for talks with Iran, he said "No. ... No such thing has been discussed today."
Solana noted that on September 15, EU foreign ministers are to hold their regular meeting in Brussels where they will discuss ties with Iran.

Asked by a BBC reporter if the Iranian side does not clarify adequately what then, Solana answered, "I will be very happy to answer that question the day when my conversation with them has finished." On his part, Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja said Solana gave an update on the Iranian situation.

He said the EU ministers reiterated their full support to Solana for the work he is doing and that he has the authority to speak for all of the EU member states on this issue.

Finland holds the current EU Presidency.

260/1430/2322/1412