Brussels, 09/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - There is enough substance for negotiations to continue between the E3+3 (Germany, France, United Kingdom and China, United States and Russia) and Iran on the latter's nuclear programme, a western diplomat said addressing a small group of journalists on 7 April. “I would not expect a breakdown”, he added, although the talks in Almaty on 5 and 6 April did not make any real progress. “We are clear talks for talk' sakes are not acceptable”, the diplomat explained, saying that the E3+3 remains committed to the dual track approach. He added that the problem has always been a matter of confidence between the two parties.
According to the western diplomat, the internal power struggle in Iran has an impact on the talks. “The electoral campaign has started. The internal tensions have an influence on a process such as negotiations but we don't even know who will be the candidates”, he asserted. “Maybe”, he hoped, “it will be easier once we know who the presidential candidates are”.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton is to discuss the matter with E3+3 foreign ministers during the G8 in London on 10 and 11 April. Discussions will be followed by consultation with China. In coming days, Ashton will hold discussions with the Iranian negotiator-in-chief, Said Jalili.
On 9 April, Iran opened two mines for uranium extraction to fuel a new complex for the production of yellow cake in the province of Yazd (centre), according to Iranian state-owned television. (CG/transl.jl)