France asks India to help resolve Tehran nuclear issue

TEHRAN,Feb.17(MNA) – French President Francois Hollande asked India to “convince” its "close friend" Tehran to enter into serious negotiations with major powers over its nuclear program. Hollande also extended an olive branch to Iran during a public lecture in New Delhi, saying the people of France also consider them as "friends" and urged the oil-rich nation to fulfill its obligations, Hindustan Times reported on Friday. According to the report, in his 25-minute speech during which he spoke at length about international and domestic issues, the French president asked India to use its friendship and influence with Iran to bring it to negotiating table on its nuclear program. "We know India and its people are close to Iran and North Korea. It is all the more important that India convinces this great country of Iran to enter into a serious negotiations to respect international obligations and nuclear non-proliferation," he told the audience. Iran is holding talks with major powers - France, China, Germany, Russia, Britain, and the United States - to reach an agreement over its nuclear program. The next round of talks is scheduled to be held in Kazakhstan on February 26.