No major differences in Iran nuclear talks: Russia

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says there are no major differences on practical issues between Iran and six major world powers in negotiations over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear energy program.

“The negotiations with the Foreign Minister of Iran [Mohammad Javad Zarif] have confirmed that for the first time in many years the sextet of negotiators and Tehran are ready to truly seek common grounds instead of presenting mostly uncorrelated positions,” said Lavrov said in an interview on Saturday.

The Russian foreign minister said Iran and the six powers have verified the areas of common interests and have no major differences in making practical agreement.

“Such areas of common interests have been defined and there remain no principle differences in solving practical questions,” Lavrov said, adding “What we’re talking about now is a correct diplomatic recording of the reached understanding so that it becomes a truly joint document, not imposed on anyone from outside.”

Lavrov noted that he believes a good chance has been created to settle the nuclear issue, as word powers are determined to find a solution with Iran’s newly-elected President Hassan Rohani.

“The Iranians say they need one year to clear the table of all the questions troubling the IAEA and thereby eliminate the reasons that caused the international sanctions,” Lavrov added.

On November 7, Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council – the US, France, Britain, Russia and China – plus Germany kicked off intense discussions over Tehran’s nuclear energy program in the Swiss city of Geneva which stretched into a third day.

The two sides did not reach an agreement, but stressed that significant progress had been made and expressed optimism about the prospect of a possible deal in the future.

The next round of negotiations between Iran and the six countries is slated to be held in Geneva on November 20.