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Iran: Stopping Nuclear Facilities Is Not On The Table

DSC_5198-Under the auspices of the Austrian Foreign Ministry, Iran and six world powers, namely France, Germany, UK, China, Russia and USA began negotiations in Vienna today Tuesday February 18 2014, with the aim of resolving the confrontation over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. The negotiations are based on the Geneva “Joint Plan of Action.”

Under the Geneva Joint Plan of Action, whose implementation started last January 20, the six countries undertook to provide Iran with some sanctions relief in exchange for Iran agreeing to limit certain aspects of its nuclear activities during a six-month period. It was also agreed that no nuclear-related sanctions will be imposed on Iran within the same timeframe.

The morning meeting lasted only 45 minutes. Afterwards, the Iranian delegation began separate discussions with the various delegations. Another plenum is scheduled to take place later today.

DSC_5193 -Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and EU foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, who represents the six world powers in the nuclear talks, presided over the talks.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told reporters in Vienna that the opening plenum got off to a “good start.” He added that “political resolve and a good start” are essential for talks between Iran and the six powers to reach a final agreement, adding that negotiations in Vienna will be based on the Geneva “Joint Plan of Action.”

He stated that discussions in Vienna will focus on Iran’s nuclear program, and that Iran won’t agree to discuss other issues, such as its missiles program. Araqchi added that “dismantling nuclear facilities or stopping them completely is not on the table” as far as Iran is concerned.

Michael Mann, spokesperson for European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, said at a press briefing that all concerns on Iran’s nuclear program will be addressed during the talks.

The meeting was attended by a broad plenum – the Iranian delegation was headed by Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, the delegations of the six world powers – the U.S., Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany – as well as Ashton and her team.