G5+1 rejects resumption of nuclear talks

The G5+1 says a recent letter from Iran inviting the resumption of nuclear talks with the West is unconvincing and will not lead to a rapprochement.

Reuters reports that a spokes woman for Catherine Ashton, the EU foreign policy chief, announced that Iran’s letter to the G5+1 contains no new developments that could form the basis of renewed talks.

Saeed Jalili, Iran’s top negotiator, announced on Tuesday that Iran had delivered a letter to Ashton, announcing the country’s readiness to resume talks based on “respect for the rights of all countries” and “refrain from using pressure.”

The West and the U.S. want any negotiations to concentrate on the nuclear issues, but the Islamic Republic want to expand the talks to cover global issues.

Jalili has said that the talks should include topics such as “the roots of terrorism, drug smuggling, piracy in open water, and cooperation around the supply and security of energy as well as nuclear disarmament.”

A spokesman for Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had also announced that resumed talks should be based on “justice and mutual respect.”

The last talks between Iran and the G5+1 tool place in Istanbul in February, after which Ashton expressed disappointment with the developments.

The G5+1 insists that Iran must prove its nuclear program is not geared toward military purposes.

Iran has repeatedly asserted that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes and it has no interest in nuclear weapons.

Source: Prees TV