Germany Insists Iran Nuclear Deal Still Within Reach

Berlin, May 20, IRNA -- A German foreign ministry spokesperson here Monday insisted that reaching a final nuclear accord between Iran and six world powers is still within reach. Martin Schaefer told media representatives ˈWe are not at the end of the negotiation phase and we have not achieved yet any concrete results for that matter but we are headed in the direction.ˈ He reiterated none of the negotiation partners at last weekˈs nuclear talks in Vienna expected concrete results at this negotiation stage. The objective was to merely enter into concrete negotiations about a specific agreement, Schaefer said. There is still time left in June and July to achieve results, the German diplomat added. He stressed all previous Iran nuclear talks, explicitly including also last weekˈs negotiations, had been ˈconstructive, substantial and intense.ˈ All negotiation partners are aware of the negotiation stance of the other side and know which obstacles and difficulties have yet to be removed, according to Schaefer who said July 20 was still the target date for a comprehensive final nuclear deal. On 20 July, an interim accord under which Tehran curbs some of its nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of some Western sanctions, is slated to expire. Iran nuclear talks are scheduled to resume in the Austrian capital from June 16-20./end