Iranian FM optimistic about Iran-5+1 talks in Baghdad

TEHRAN,April 19(MNA) – Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said that he is optimistic about the next round of talks between Iran and the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany), which is scheduled to be held in Baghdad on May 23. “Before (the Istanbul talks on April 14), I said that we had been hopeful about the negotiations between Iran and the 5+1. Now, I am also hopeful about the next talks between Iran and the group, which will be held in Baghdad,” Salehi told reporters after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday. “It is the Westerners who are creating stumbling blocks,” he said, adding, “The Islamic Republic of Iran has stated its demands clearly during all meetings and negotiations. We are hopeful that issues will be stated more clearly during the next meeting with the 5+1.” The West has adopted a “political” rather than a “technical” approach toward Iran’s nuclear issue, Salehi stated. He added, “We have announced on many occasions that we are not seeking nuclear weapons. In addition, the Supreme Leader has repeatedly mentioned this point.” “If they (the Westerners) intend to build confidence, they should now prepare the ground for building confidence,” the Iranian foreign minister commented. Tehran welcomes Riyadh’s decision to suspend death sentences of some Iranians Elsewhere in his remarks, Salehi welcomed Saudi Arabian officials’ decision to suspend death sentences handed down to a number of Iranian nationals. He also said, “A number of Iranians have been imprisoned in Saudi Arabia on charges of smuggling drugs. I held a telephone conversation with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister (Saud Al Faisal) and discussed the matter with him in addition to bilateral issues.”