Iran says 'good progress' in nuclear talks

Published December 31, 2013
Iran's chief negotiator Abbas Araqchi. — File photo
Iran's chief negotiator Abbas Araqchi. — File photo

TEHRAN: Iran's chief negotiator said Tuesday talks in Geneva with world powers late into the night on implementing a landmark nuclear deal had made “good progress”, according to state TV.

“The negotiations continued until 4:30 am in Geneva and the two sides have made good progress on different issues, but we cannot prejudge the results before the end of the negotiations,” lead negotiator Abbas Araqchi said.

He added that there would “probably be another round of negotiations before noon and before announcing the results”.

Experts from Iran and the so-called P5+1 — the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China plus Germany — have been holding technical talks on implementing an agreement reached Nov 24 on Iran's controversial nuclear program.

The interim deal requires that Iran freeze or curb its nuclear activities for six months in exchange for some sanctions relief while the two sides try to reach a comprehensive agreement.

Western nations and Israel have long suspected Iran is covertly pursuing a nuclear weapons capability alongside its civilian program, charges denied by Tehran, which insists its uranium enrichment is for purely peaceful purposes.

Opinion

Editorial

Smog hazard
Updated 05 Nov, 2024

Smog hazard

The catastrophe unfolding in Lahore is a product of authorities’ repeated failure to recognise environmental impact of rapid urbanisation.
Monetary policy
05 Nov, 2024

Monetary policy

IN an aggressive move, the State Bank on Monday reduced its key policy rate by a hefty 250bps to 15pc. This is the...
Cultural power
05 Nov, 2024

Cultural power

AS vital modes of communication, art and culture have the power to overcome social and international barriers....
Disregarding CCI
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Disregarding CCI

The failure to regularly convene CCI meetings means that the process of democratic decision-making is falling apart.
Defeating TB
04 Nov, 2024

Defeating TB

CONSIDERING the fact that Pakistan has the fifth highest burden of tuberculosis in the world as per the World Health...
Ceasefire charade
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Ceasefire charade

The US talks of peace, while simultaneously arming and funding their Israeli allies, are doomed to fail, and are little more than a charade.