Brussels, 20/08/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 17 August, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton called the new Iranian foreign affairs minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, to congratulate him on his new post. They “agreed to meet soon”, Ashton's spokesperson stated. During their call, Ashton underlined “her continued determination and commitment to seek a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue”, stating that the E3+3 (Germany, France, United Kingdom and China, United States, Russia) is ready to work with the new Iranian negotiating team as soon as it has been appointed. Ashton confirmed “the need for substantial talks that will lead to concrete results swiftly”, her spokesperson added. Ashton and Arif also discussed regional issues.
On 6 August, new Iranian President Hassan Rohani said he was “seriously determined” to find a solution that would respond to “the concerns of the other party” (the E3+3) on the nuclear issue. In his view, this solution would be through a “dialogue” and “serious negotiations, without losing time”. The E3+3 would like negotiations to resume in September (see EUROPE 10893). (CG/transl.fl)