Iran hopes 5+1 will take practical steps to advance talks
Tehran Times– The deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has said that the Islamic Republic hopes that world powers would take practical steps to help advance the process of talks.
Iran and the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany) held a new round of talks in Baghdad on May 23 and 24 and agreed to continue their negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program in Moscow on June 18 and 19.
“If the other side enters the talks seriously, the issue will be resolved sooner. Adopting the strategy of pressure against Iran could not be effective. The Iranian side is ready to take serious steps and welcomes a step-by-step and reciprocal approach. We are waiting for confidence-building measures,” Ali Baqeri, the deputy chief nuclear negotiator, said during a televised interview broadcast live on Iranian television on Sunday.
He also said, during the Istanbul talks on April 14, the six major powers acknowledged Iran’s right to nuclear technology based on the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, but Iran needs to see a “clear manifestation” of the recognition of its rights.
“During this period, the 5+1 group has taken good steps in the talks, but it should be completed with practical measures,” he said, adding, “If it will be the case, the outlook for the future is positive, and we hope that we will witness practical steps in the coming period.”
Elsewhere in his remarks, Baqeri said that the Islamic Republic’s strategy for the talks is based on three constituents: logic, initiative, and might.