Iran, 5+1 group hold expert meeting

TEHRAN,July 4(MNA) - Iran and the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany) held an expert meeting in Istanbul on Tuesday to discuss the dispute over Tehran’s nuclear program. The agreement to hold an expert meeting was made during the latest round of talks between negotiators from Iran and the six major powers, which was held in Moscow on June 18 and 19. The negotiations in the Russian capital were a continuation of talks that were held in Istanbul on April 14 and in Baghdad on May 23 and 24. The expert meeting was organized to see if a new round of negotiations can be held between Iran and world powers. Iran has put forward a proposal to help resolve the standoff with the West over its nuclear activities that includes five points, namely recognition of Iran’s right to peaceful use of nuclear energy, cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, building confidence, nuclear cooperation, and discussion of non-nuclear issues, including regional issues. The 5+1 group has proposed that 20 percent enrichment be halted, the Fordo uranium enrichment facility near Qom be closed, and 20 percent enriched uranium be shipped out of the country.