UK Foreign Secretary believes historic Iran deal ‘within reach’November 20, 2013 - 17:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Remaining differences between Iran and world powers over a potential deal to curb Tehran's nuclear program are narrow and a historic deal is within reach, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said on Wednesday, Nov 20, according to Reuters. Iranian negotiators and diplomats from the United States, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany were due to meet on Wednesday in Geneva to discuss a proposed deal under which Iran would suspend parts of its program in exchange for some sanctions relief. "The differences that remain between the parties are narrow and I believe they can be bridged with political will and commitment," Hague told a news conference in Istanbul. "This is an historic opportunity to build agreement on how to curb nuclear proliferation in the Middle East and potentially to set our relations with Iran on a different path. It is the best chance for a long time to make progress on one of the gravest problems in foreign policy," he said. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday Tehran would not step back from its nuclear rights and he had set "red lines" for his negotiators in Geneva. "There is an opportunity here to make an agreement and that remains the case whatever commentary is going on around the world or whatever fresh statements are made," Hague said, when asked about Khamenei's comments. Related links: Related issues: Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Turkey condemns Uruguay’s recognition of Armenian Genocide Turkey has condemned a newly passed law in Uruguay that recognizes the Armenian Genocide, TRT reports. For the first time, Armenia votes in favor of Georgia resolution in UN Armenia on Tuesday, June 4 voted for the first time in favor a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. Moscow warns Armenia against leaving Russian-led defense bloc Armenia could ruin its military ties with Russia if it continues drifting towards the West, according to a senior official in Moscow. Moscow says ready to support Yerevan-Baku reconciliation Moscow has confirmed its readiness to support the reconciliation of Yerevan and Baku. |