Iran FM, EU foreign policy chief hold talks over phone

The European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has held a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian on the trend of negotiations in Vienna.

The European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has held a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian on the trend of negotiations in Vienna.
During the phone talk, Borrell, who is the coordinator for the Vienna talks, gave explanations on the trend of the negotiations and offered his assessment of the viewpoints of the negotiators while expressing content with the resumption of the Vienna talks.
He also enumerated the challenges which might harm the negotiations, expressing hope the Vienna talks will move towards reaching a deal with the efforts and interaction of all parties.
The European foreign policy chief underlined the US and the three European countries have been reminded that talks should be realistic and all sides should feel the progress in the negotiations.
He described as important cooperation between the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency, and said he was pleased with the ongoing contacts and the continuation of talks and technical cooperation between the two sides.
Borrell also called for the easing of some concerns over Iran’s current nuclear program.
Iran’s foreign minister, in turn, described interactions between negotiators in Vienna as fruitful, and once again underscored Iran’s goodwill and seriousness to reach a good agreement.
Amir Abdollahian said we have always had close cooperation with the Agency. Accordingly, a delegation from the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran is leaving for Vienna for talks with the International Atomic Energy Agency authorities.
He then criticized the stances and statement by the three European countries and their behavior as they have adopted a negative political and media stance.
He dismissed such media campaigns as unconstructive, saying whey will only further complicate the situation and slow down the process of reaching a deal.
Amir Abdollahian touched upon the existing consultations, and described China and Russia’s positions and viewpoints as realistic and constructive.
He said if our European colleagues study Iran’s proposed texts without wrong presuppositions and carefully, they will realize that the proposals are within the framework of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and focus on unfinished discussions in June 2021 talks. Of course, it goes without saying that Iran’s points of view are different from those of the West in some respects.
Amir Abdollahian said we are all in Vienna to hold talks and reach a good deal.
He blasted the West’s ongoing inaction even at the negotiating table, saying we have not received any constructive and forward-moving suggestions from the other side, which contradicts their announcement in which they said they will take part in the talks seriously.
Amid Abdollahian added over the past eight years, there were enough words but no deed; however, today is the time of taking action and we are trying to reach a serious and good deal.
The top Iranian diplomat said Iran’s nuclear program is completely peaceful, but easing nuclear concerns is directly related to the removal of all JCPOA sanctions.
Amid Abdollahian said we are doubtful whether the Western side is ready to remove sanctions or simply wants to have its own concerns eased unilaterally.
He expressed hope the Western side will take part in the negotiations in good faith as well as with an initiative and constructive ideas, so that the negotiations will move fast forward.
He also described as constructive Josep Borrell’s role as the coordinator for the negotiations as well as the role of his deputy Enrique Mora, appreciating their efforts.
Amir Abdollahian added Iran’s chief negotiator Ali Bagheri and his delegation will stay in Vienna as long as necessary to reach a deal and hold consultations with the 4+1 group.