EU plans next round of "very constructive" Iran talks
Sunday, 24 Jun 2007 10:05
The EU foreign policy chief says another round of talks will be held in a few weeks
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EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana has said that talks with Iran on its nuclear programme had been "very constructive", adding that another round of talks will be held in a few weeks.
The assertion from Mr Solana came after a meeting with Iran's top nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani in Lisbon.
Speaking about the discussions, Mr Larijani commented: "The talks helped us to make progress toward negotiations and to clarify our positions.
"I think it is possible to lay the ground for negotiations."
While Iran insists that its nuclear programme is only for energy generation purposes, the EU and the US fear that Iran may be developing nuclear weapons under the guise of a civil nuclear programme. Such a move could cause further instability in an already volatile region.
They also question why Iran, which is rich in oil and gas resources, needs a nuclear programme at the moment.
The UN security council has passed two resolutions imposing sanctions against Iran's nuclear programme after the Middle Eastern country refused to observe demands for it to halt its nuclear programme.
Mr Solana's spokeswoman Cristina Gallach also said it was important to "keep the lines of communication open" as they could create the "conditions for starting talks".
But she emphasised that Iran must respect UN resolutions before "formal negotiations can start".