Iranian, US Officials Hold N. Talks in Geneva

(FNA)- Iranian and US officials in a bilateral meeting in Geneva on Thursday discussed the latest developments in the nuclear talks between Tehran and the world powers and possible ways to settle their differences on Iran's nuclear program.

Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Seyed Abbas Araqchi and his US counterpart Wendy Sherman held bilateral talks in Geneva on Thursday morning.

The negotiations between Araqchi and Sherman took place within the framework of talks between Tehran and the Group 5+1 (the US, Russia, China, France, Britain and China plus Germany).

No details have yet been releases about the exact contents of the talks.

In an interview with France24 television in Paris on Tuesday, Araqchi reiterated Tehran's determination to reach a final deal with the Group 5+1, but stressed that Iran won’t accept any excessive demands by the world powers.

"We are serious, determined and we have ideas for each and every problem which exists on the table," Araqchi said.

"We have ideas and our ideas would address all concerns... We have presented our ideas in the previous round. We are going to present again those ideas," he said.

The senior Iranian negotiator added however that the other side has to "avoid excessive demands" on the key issue of uranium enrichment.

"We are still at the table and we will remain at the table until the last minute," Araqchi pointed out.

On Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif held a meeting with EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton and then had a working lunch with her to discuss the latest developments in the nuclear talks between Tehran and the G5+1.

Iran and the six world powers have been in talks over a final and permanent solution to their nuclear standoff ever since they signed an interim deal in Geneva in November. On July 20, the deadline for reaching a final agreement on Iran's future nuclear activities was postponed by four months—until November 24—to give more time for diplomatic efforts.

Zarif and Ashton in a joint statement after over two weeks of talks in July stressed the need for more efforts and time to reach an agreement with the world powers over Tehran's nuclear program.

The two officials who presided the negotiating sides, emphasized at the end of Iran-G5+1 negotiations that they have held different sessions in different forms and in a constructive atmosphere to reach a final comprehensive agreement.

Due to certain differences over some fundamental issues the two sides agreed to extend the Joint Plan of Action by November 24, they added.