Iran nuclear talks show constant, sustained progress: Russia

Tehran, May 16, IRNA – The Russian deputy foreign minister has hailed as “productive” the latest round of negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries over Tehran’s nuclear program in the Austrian capital city of Vienna. “We had a very focused, intense and productive exchange,” Sergei Ryabkov told Hispan TV on Friday, adding that the talks have shown “constant and sustained progress.” The Russian official commended efforts by all the sides involved in Iran’s nuclear talks, voicing optimism over reaching an agreement “in time.” “I think we have proven over recent period that political will is there to resolve even the most difficult issues … What’s most important in my view is that we are getting more confident that we can get there in time,” he went on to say. Ryabkov, however, admitted “there are several issues that are still under discussion and consideration,” saying that the parties are trying to find “a common ground or common denominator” to bridge the differences. The Russian diplomat also praised the diplomatic skill of Iran’s nuclear negotiators. “We commend the Iranian delegation for their ability to defend and promote the interests of the Islamic Republic. They are very capable negotiators. We learn in some cases from them how to do it,” he pointed out. Earlier in the day, representatives from Iran and the P5+1 group held a plenary session on Tehran’s nuclear program in Vienna. The session finalized four days of talks between the two sides. The next round of negotiations between Iran and the six world powers will be held next week on Wednesday. Iran and the P5+1 countries - the US, Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia – have been negotiating to reach a comprehensive agreement over Iran’s civilian nuclear activities, and have set June 30 as the deadline for the conclusion of the deal. The possible deal would see the removal of the sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic in return for enhanced transparency by Iran in its nuclear program. The sides reached mutual understanding on the parameters of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) -- as the potential deal is called -- in the Swiss city of Lausanne on April 2.