Constructive dialogue will bring ideas closer together: spokesman
“Constructive talks will bring ideas closer to each other,” the Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi told a regular press briefing.
Iran responded to the nuclear package Tuesday, urging “serious talks” for the settlement of the nuclear dispute between Tehran and the West. Asefi added reaction to Iran’s response to the 5+1 package has been “mixed.”
“Russia and China have stressed the importance of talks, France has talked about avoiding the escalation of the standoff, and the Americans have responded ambiguously.”
He also said even the Europeans are “divided” on how to deal with Iran’s nuclear impasse.
“The Europeans look at the issue differently. For example, the position of Spain and Italy is different from others.”
He advised the Europeans to “study the reply very carefully and give a response.”
The spokesman said Iran has provided a “positive response” despite all the unkindness shown by the European partners.
“Despite the Europeans’ bad attitude, impatience, and excuses Iran studied the package with a positive view and now it has provided a positive response with the aim of resolving the issue diplomatically,” he explained.
Now Iran’s response has taken the diplomatic route, and it is possible to reach a deal, he added.
“It’s about time that the partners return to the negotiating table without bad attitude.”
The spokesman said Iran’s response is without any ambiguity and it has addressed all points mentioned in the 5+1 package. He said the response has touched on “Iran’s rights and commitments, transparency measures and cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, mutual confidence building measures, long-term economic and regional security cooperation, and constructive dialogue.”
The U.N. Security Council has demanded Iran suspend atomic fuel work by Aug. 31 or face the threat of sanctions. Asefi also rejected some speculations that launching of the Arak heavy water nuclear project on Saturday has complicated Iran’s nuclear issue, saying, “There is no relationship between Arak heavy water project and the nuclear issue.”
He added the inauguration of the plant was planned in advance and nothing special has happened. He stated that the heavy water project is another step in using technology for civilian purposes including medical uses and that “everything is legal and within the framework of Iran’s rights.”