Berlin eyes confidence-building steps at next Iran nuclear talks
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Berlin, May 9, IRNA -- Berlin hopes for confidence-building measures aimed at overcoming the Iranian nuclear stalemate when diplomats from six western powers meet with their Iranian counterparts in Baghdad on May 23, a German official said here Wednesday.
Talking to IRNA, an unnamed German foreign ministry spokesman reiterated the so-called P5 + 1 group (the US, Russia, China, France, Britain plus Germany) was pursuing a "diplomatic solution to the conflict over Iran's nuclear program in a bid to restore international confidence in the solely peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program."
He added his country was following a double-track approach composed of what he labeled "political and diplomatic pressure and the readiness to engage in a serious dialogue over Iran's nuclear program."
The German official made clear the latest round of Iran nuclear talks in Istanbul were in line with that strategy.
He voiced hope for future substantial negotiations in an effort to promote a lasting process which could lead to concrete steps as quickly as possible and whereby both sides could build confidence.
The German diplomat pointed out both sides had agreed on a reciprocal step by step approach during their meeting in Istanbul.
He did not dwell on the concrete nature of likely confidence-building steps, saying one had to await the outcome of the Baghdad negotiations.
The official said his country was in "close contact" with its partners in the 5 plus 1 group.
Iran and the six western powers revived talks on the nuclear issue in Istanbul in March.
Both sides termed the meeting as "positive and constructive" and are reportedly looking forward to the next round of discussions in Baghdad.
OT**1412
Islamic Republic News Agency/IRNA NewsCode: 1017460
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