UN chief expresses optimism on Iran’s nuclear talks

TEHRAN,March 2(MNA) – UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has said that he is optimistic about the latest round talks between Iran and the 5+1 group (Britain, China, France, Russia, the United States, and Germany) in Almaty, Kazakhstan, calling for more speedy dialogue. He made the remarks during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi on the sidelines of United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) global forum in Vienna on Wednesday. Ban also emphasized that Iran has right to peaceful nuclear energy. During the meeting, Salehi said, “We are ready to allay concerns over the country’s nuclear program through mutually agreed international measures. But the recognition of our rights by the other side will be of overriding importance.” Talking on the Syrian crisis, Salehi said that negotiation between the opposing sides is the only way out of the crisis and reiterated that Iran is ready to help end the bloodshed in the country. Salehi also discussed a number of issues including bilateral ties, Iran’s nuclear program, and the Syrian crisis with Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger. The senior Iranian diplomat also said it is necessary to work towards a weapons of mass destruction (WMD) free zone in the Middle East.