The New Nuclear Negotiations Will Be Difficult
After numerous discussions, the new round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the 5+1 countries are to be held in Istanbul on April 14th. Meanwhile, both sides have invited each other to be serious and honest in the upcoming meeting. They have also disagreed with having any preconditions for the talks.
Dr. Heshmatullah Falahatpisheh, a member of the Majlis Committee on Security and Foreign Policy, in an interview with Fararu in this regard, said: “I believe that the new round of negotiations in Istanbul will be very difficult, and one of the reasons is that the preparation procedures for these negotiations, such as the venue, preconditions, etc., were agreed upon with difficulties.”
The representative of Western Islamabad in Majlis continued: “Another reason is that the two sides do not have the necessary agreement in the context of these negotiations and there are serious differences in this regard.”
He added: “It can be said that both sides have reached a final stage. The 5+1 is looking for an excuse in the Istanbul negotiations and mentions certain serious issues which are considered red lines by Iran and cannot be easily overlooked by us. Their intent is to prepare the grounds for new sanctions including sanctions on oil exports. On the other hand, Iran has achieved points such as enrichment and fuel, the cessation of which are proposed by these countries as preconditions.”
He further stated: “In my opinion, an agreement which can be to the benefit of both sides is a mechanism similar to the mechanism entitled Vienna and Introduction to Lisbon, of three years ago. Meaning that Iran removes all questionable issues within the framework of an agreement, and the 5+1 countries soften sanctions or suspend them and begin their political dialogue with Iran. Therefore, Vienna, as the place of our relations with the IAEA, and the removal of questionable issues which were the introduction to Lisbon, i.e., political negotiations over proposed packages, were discussed.”
Falahatpisheh noted: “This plan may help negotiations move seriously and solve the differences. But the fact is that some members of the 5+1 are seeking excuses about Iran and our negotiating team should act strongly so that, while not accepting any dead-end and pressure on the nuclear issue, they do not provide any excuse for the opposing parties.”
In response to the question of whether it is possible that the issue of Syria might have impact on the negotiations, as it was the case with its venue, he said: “International developments are inter-related. We cannot view the changes otherwise. The issue of Syria and even Iraq and the role of Iran in the Middle East are issues related to those of the 5+1. It was the same in the past. When the issue of Iraq was proposed, Bush suggested a plan within the framework of which to give concessions to Iran and vice versa.”
He further continued: “Now, the group of 5+1 countries intends to view the issue of Syria within the framework of their negotiations with Iran. But the fact is that what should be important for us are the national interests of our country. We should act in accordance with our national interests. A solution to the changes in Syria has its own conditions. The government of Syria must move towards reform inside the country to remove excuses and reduce the pressure exerted upon it. “
Falahatpisheh reiterated that: “Our basic claim is that our nuclear program is not a threat to the world. Therefore, punishments exerted on Iran are unfair. Our negotiation team must try to, while defending the nuclear rights of our country, prevent the international atmosphere against Iran from getting more critical.”
In response to the question of whether Iran, based on the statements made by the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, is ready to reduce its enrichment to 3.5% whenever necessary, he said: “Iran needs 20% fuel for its 5 megawatt power plant in Tehran. If this need is met by domestic production, then Iran’s position may change. But the fact is that the IAEA has solutions for all of these matters. That is, it has solutions to provide 20% and 3.5% fuel.”
In the end, Falahatpisheh stated: “I believe that the western countries must recognize Iran’s right to nuclear technology. If this becomes accepted, then, in my view, other issues are negotiable.”