German FM upbeat on Iran deal but obstacles remain

IRNA – German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed cautious optimism on prospects for a historic nuclear agreement with Iran ahead of the March 31 deadline but said hurdles remain.

Talking to Germany’s ZDF television network in Lausanne, Switzerland, Steinmeier reiterated both sides had never been this close to a nuclear deal over the past years, however according to him, there were still a number of obstacles left.

These negotiations have ‘not been very easy’ and we have witnessed ‘progress and setbacks over the past hours,’ he added.

Steinmeier urged all sides in the negotiations to act seriously and responsibly in a bid to finally put an end to the 12-year-old dispute.

He voiced hope that a nuclear accord with Iran would also lead to a calming down of the volatile Middle East region.

Steinmeier confirmed media reports that he and his French counterpart Laurent Fabius had cancelled their planned joint trip to Kazakhstan, scheduled for Monday, to be able to continue their negotiations with Iran through the night.