Catherine Ashton is the chief negotiator, representing the Powers during the last six years of Iran nuclear negotiations. This is Mrs. Ashton’s first visit to Iran.
Iran’s FM Mohammad Javad Zarif had invited her at their first meeting on the side lines of UN General Assembly in New York last January. The invitation was an open one with no specific time mentioned.
Saturday evening Ashton heads a European delegation including her aid Helga Schmid and EU spokesman Michael Mann will arrive in Tehran.
Foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will welcome EU delegation upon arrival. He and Ashton will hold a joint press conference Sunday morning.
EU chief will also meet with Iran’s president Dr Hassan Rouhani, Iran’s parliament speaker Ali Larijani and Leader’s senior adviser Aliakbar Velayati on Sunday.
On Monday Ashton will visit Isfahan to see Iran’s tourist beauties there.
With next round of Iran’s nuclear talks between Iran and Powers to be resumed on March 16 to 18 in Vienna, EU chief’s visit to Iran will be of great importance and influence to the development of negotiations.
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