Brussels, 29/09/2014 (Agence Europe) - The negotiations between the E3+3 (Germany, France, United Kingdom and China, United States, Russia) and Iran on the Iranian nuclear programme came to an end after nine days of meetings of “intensive contacts at all levels”, said Michael Mann, the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton on Saturday 27 September.
“Significant differences remain to be resolved on core issues”, Mann stated. He added that that contacts had “helped to develop some ideas which will be studied further”. “Individual E3+3 members had high-level talks with Iran to show commitment to a negotiated solution to the Iranian nuclear issue”, he said.
While France's Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius did not believe that there was “any significant progress” (see EUROPE 11164), the Russian foreign ministry noted “some progress during work on the different alternatives to settle the Iranian nuclear issue”. Russia nevertheless stated that the parties did not manage “to achieve a breakthrough in resolving the key issues of the future agreement”.
“Based on intensive work” carried out during the negotiating round, the EU3+3 will continue its diplomatic efforts with the aim of a comprehensive solution by the 24 November deadline, said Mann. No news has been given regarding the next round of negotiations. (CG)