Brussels, 10/03/2015 (Agence Europe) - On 6-7 March, the Europeans and Americans stated that although there had been progress in the negotiations on the Iranian nuclear programme, there were still differences between the E3+3 (Germany, France, United Kingdom and China, United States, Russia) and Iran.
“There is progress in some areas but there are differences that must be overcome and so there is still work to do”, said French foreign minister Laurent Fabius on 7 March. The previous day, he had said that there was progress to be made on volume, on the length of time and on monitoring the commitments that Iran plans.
US Secretary of State John Kerry said he had “exactly the same assessment”. “We have made progress, but there remain gaps - divergences. And we need to close those gaps. And that's our goal over the course of the next days. We have a critical couple of weeks ahead of us”, Kerry stated, saying that time was moving on. “But we're not feeling a sense of urgency that we have to get any deal. We have to get the right deal”, he added.
The previous day, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini had said that a good agreement was “within reach”. “There are still a few obstacles to be removed. I'm optimistic but it depends on the political resolve (…) and the political conditions in the countries concerned”, she said. According to the plan that has been scheduled, a political agreement is expected by 31 March. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)