Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Iran welcomes correct, precise talks: Larijani

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Ankara, April 25, IRNA
Iran-Larijani-Talks
Iran welcomes correct and precise negotiations to settle ongoing disputes over its peaceful nuclear program, Secretary of Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani said on Wednesday.

The top nuclear negotiator made the remark while speaking to reporters upon his arrival in Ankara at the head of a delegation to hold talks with the EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana.

"We have always welcomed precise and correct talks to resolve the nuclear issue but the opposite side has set conditions leading to suspension of negotiations.

"In a telephone conversation, Solana called on me to continue talks. We agreed to hold a meeting in Ankara," he said.

He refused to express his views on Solana's possible proposals, saying he does not intend to make a judgement on the outcomes of talks.

"We have cooperated with the International Atomic Energy Agency. The IAEA carries out its inspection of Iran's nuclear facilities," he added.

Larijani stated, "Iran's nuclear issue has been used as a political pretext by the West which will not be in its interest but will intensify problems."

The SNSC secretary is to attend a luncheon given by Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday.

The first round of talks between Larijani and Solana is scheduled to begin Wednesday evening.

Following a telephone conversation between Larijani and Solana on April 19, the two sides agreed to hold a meeting on April 25.

The two sides have held phone talks since their last meeting in Munich in February.

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