Araghchi: New York nuclear talks on Sep. 17

TEHRAN, Sep. 09 – Iran’s deputy FM said talks with 5+1 will begin in September 17 in New York. In a live interview with IRIB, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi explained about Iran nuclear talks with the 5+1. Araghchi announced that New York talsk will start on September 17 with a working lunch between Iran’s FM Mohammad Javad Zarif and EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton. Iran’s Foreign Ministry deputy for legal and international affairs asserted that “reaching a final deal in New York talks is technically impossible.” In response to a question about recent US sanctions against Iran, Iran’s senior negotiator slammed the move and highlighted that Iran and US have different interpretations of ‘new sanctions’ mentioned in interim deal. Araghchi also described reaching an agreement on a timetable for removal of sanctions by west as well as Iran’s steps according to the agreement as a difficult issue in the talks. “Iran understands West’s concerns about Arak heavy water plant as heavy water is also used for nuclear weapons; but Iran has never sought nuclear weapons and is ready to clear any concerns regarding past issues.” Regarding IAEA’s chief Amano’s latest report on Iran, Araghchi criticized the report for late publish and improper reflection of Iran’s cooperation with the Agency and watchdogs. He also emphasized that “Iran has worries regarding security of its scientists and nuclear facilities in its reports to IAEA,” inferring that information and data in former reports were used in attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities and scientists. “Iran insists that dossier of any issue which is addressed and the two sides have reached an agreement upon, should be closed,” stated Araghchi. Iran’s top negotiator reaffirmed that Iran seeks nuclear enrichment in industrial level and expressed hope that the 5+1 be honest in talks to pave the way for reaching an agreement. “Iran is serious in talks and has ideas for any concerned issues. We are serious in negotiations and are optimistic of a possible deal if the west shows honesty in talks.”