Istanbul talks was a starting point to resolve Iran’s nuclear issue : Iran`s Salehi

TEHRAN,April 18(MNA)--Asked to comment on the meetings that Iran and the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council -the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China – plus Germany) held in Istanbul on April 14, Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said, “The Istanbul talks can be regarded as a starting point to end (the dispute over) Iran’s nuclear issue.” Certain Western countries, including the United States, have a history of hindering the settlement of Iran’s nuclear issue, he stated, adding, “In the Istanbul talks, it was proved that the Westerners cannot compel Iran to give in and relinquish their inalienable and legal right to peaceful use of nuclear energy through political and economic pressure.” “We are optimistic about… the continuation of talks in Baghdad,” he added. The two sides agreed on April 14 to meet again in Baghdad on May 23, and Helga Schmid, the deputy secretary general for political affairs of the European External Action Service, and Ali Baqeri, the deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, were tasked with drawing up an agenda for the Baghdad talks. Iran supports legitimate public demands On Iran’s policy toward pro-democracy uprisings occurring in certain Arab countries, Salehi noted that the Islamic Republic supports legitimate public demands in these countries, including Syria. However, Iran is opposed to any foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs, he stated. Attack on Iran a faint possibility The Iranian foreign minister was also asked to comment on threats of military aggression against the Islamic Republic, saying that there is a “remote possibility” that Iran comes under attack. He added, “The Iranian people have a great civilization, history, and culture and are peace-loving people. We are not seeking any confrontation and do not welcome any conflict. However, the Iranian people and government will defend their country as they did during the imposed war (1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war).”