Iranian nuke negotiator expects no deal at Moscow talksJune 18, 2012 - 14:56 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The current Moscow round of talks between Iran and the Group 5+1 over Iran’s nuclear ambitions is unlikely to end in the signing of a final agreement, an Iranian negotiator said on Monday, June 18. The Moscow talks, including the five permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany (5+1) commenced on Monday and are expected to last until Tuesday. Iran’s team of negotiators is headed by Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Secretary Saeed Jalili, while EU foreign policy Chief, Catherine Ashton, heads up the Group 5+1 delegation. “As of right now the chances of making progress in Moscow are very small, minimal,” the Iranian delegate said, adding Iran has no reason to alter its position. “We have our principles. If the Group of Six accepts our proposals we will be ready to accept theirs.” His view was echoed by an EU spokesman. “In terms of any adjustments, no, what is on the table is what was put on the table in Baghdad,” said Michael Mann, spokesman for the European Union’s top foreign policy official, Catherine Ashton. “It’s in black and white on paper, and it’s there for all to see, so we’re hoping they can take it point by point.” He described the atmosphere at the talks as “businesslike” adding that they are due to last until evening, RIA Novosti reported. The Group 5+1 want Tehran to stop uranium enrichment, in return offering to supply it with fuel for a medical research reactor in Tehran, which requires 20-percent uranium, and to ease sanctions against the sale of commercial aircraft parts to Iran. Iran says its nuclear program is merely designed to generate energy. The United States has warned it will tighten sanctions against Iran if the Moscow negotiations fail to make progress on limiting the Islamic Republic's nuclear program. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |