Lifting sanctions can be first positive step by 5+1: Iranian senior lawmaker

TEHRAN, May 20 (MNA) – Deputy Majlis Speaker Mohammad Reza Bahonar said that the first positive step that the six major powers can take in the upcoming nuclear talks in Baghdad is that they lift sanctions imposed against the Islamic Republic for its nuclear program. Iran and the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany) held a new round of talks on Tehran’s nuclear program in Istanbul on April 14, breaking a 15-month hiatus in talks, and agreed to meet again in Baghdad on May 23. Speaking to the Mehr News Agency on Saturday, Bahonar said now that the group is softening its attitude toward Iran, Tehran is waiting to see what attitude the group adopts in the talks in Baghdad. Tehran has announced to the group that it will stand up for its right to develop and acquire nuclear technology meant for peaceful purposes and will fulfill all its commitments within the framework of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, he stated. Bahonar said the first positive step that the group can take in the upcoming talks is that sanctions imposed on Iran be lifted and if the group agrees to lift sanctions then it can talk about the next round of talks. Commenting on the issues that will be discussed during the talks, Bahonar said the issues will also include the most important regional issues such as the presence of foreign forces in the region and campaign against terrorism.