“Direct negotiations between Iran and the United States had already been held on a number of issues, including Afghanistan and Iraq, and indirect negotiations are also being held within the framework of the 5+1,” Salehi told reporters in Tehran on Monday in reference to the negotiations between Iran and the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany) over the country’s nuclear program.
He added, “Negotiations over such issues are different than bilateral talks. Bilateral talks include political issues, making decisions about which falls within the ambit of the Supreme Leader.”
Salehi hopes Iran-5+1 talks will be resumed soon
Commenting on the latest news about the negotiations between Iran and the 5+1 group, Salehi said, “The latest news was about the telephone conversation between Mr. Jalili and Ms. Ashton.”
European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton represents the six major powers in nuclear negotiations with Iran, and Saeed Jalili, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary, is Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator.
The Iranian foreign minister added, “Another telephone conversation was scheduled to be held in late Aban (October 22-November 20) to make a unanimous decision about the date and venue of the (next) meeting.”
However, Salehi said that he is not informed whether or not a decision has been made in this regard.
The latest round of high-level talks between Iran and the six major powers was held in Moscow on June 18 and 19.
In addition, Salehi expressed hope that the talks between Tehran and world powers will be held soon.
EP/PA
MNA
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