More sanctions counterproductive

Iran’s foreign minister has announced that the country expects the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and world powers to respond positively to the Tehran Declaration.

“Further UN Security Council sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program will be counterproductive”, Manouchehr Mottaki was quoted by ISNA as telling reporters in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia.

Mottaki said he believes the Vienna group (comprising the IAEA, the US, France and Russia) is studying the Tehran Declaration mediated by Turkey and Brazil in a positive manner.

“I think as soon as IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano receives the responses, negotiations will begin”, the top visiting Iranian diplomat further stated.

He underscored Tehran is still waiting for the UN nuclear watchdog, the United States, Russia and France to respond to its proposals.

“We have not received any signs suggesting the agreement would not be accepted”, Mottaki added.

He said Iran prefers to look at the issue optimistically and positively.

Mottaki reiterated that further UN sanctions against Iran will be a nonstarter, adding use of sanctions is a failed policy.

The Iranian foreign minister also sat down with his Bulgarian opposite number Nikolay Mladenov where the two men took up a host of issues, including mutual cooperation as well as the Tehran Declaration.