Westerwelle Hails ˈSubstantial Progressˈ In Iran N-talks

Berlin, Nov 11, IRNA -- German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle here Sunday pointed to ˈsubstantial progressˈ in the Geneva-based talks between western powers and Iran over its nuclear program, according to German Press-Agency, the DPA. Speaking ahead of his imminent visit to India, Westerwelle stressed that there had been a ˈreal rapprochementˈ between the five UN veto powers (Russia, the US, China, Britain and France) plus Germany and Iran on its nuclear issue. ˈThe consultations have been very constructive. Real substantial progress has been achieved,ˈ Germanyˈs chief diplomat was quoted saying. It was Westerwelleˈs impression that a ˈsubstantial progress for a first important stepˈ was possible. He also said that although the talks over Iranˈs nuclear program would continue on an expert-level, he would not rule out a ministerial meeting on the matter. Westerwelle refused to comment on western media reports that France basically torpedoed an agreement on the Iranian nuclear program at the Geneva talks, saying it was not the time to put blame on any side./end