Iran, Sextet end 2nd day of nuclear talks

Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council plus Germany have finished a second day of talks over Tehran’s nuclear energy program in the Swiss city of Geneva.

On Thursday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, who represents the six world powers — the US, France, Britain, Russia, China and Germany — held two bilateral meetings. The two also met on Wednesday.

Ashton’s spokesman Michael Mann described the talks between the two sides as very “substantial and detailed.”

The Iranian team has echoed the same remarks, saying discussions have already delved into content and details. However, they have added that differences remain between the two sides.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who is also a member of the Iranian negotiating team, said there were still “major differences” between the two sides.

Araqchi had said earlier on Thursday that any nuclear deal must recognize Iran’s right to enrich uranium.

Both sides are working to finalize a draft agreement to resolve the standoff over Tehran’s nuclear energy program.

The new round of negotiations began on November 20 in Geneva.

During the last round of talks in Geneva on November 7-10, a first-step agreement was within reach, but the position taken by French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius in favor of the Israeli regime and a lack of commitment by US Secretary of State John Kerry spoiled the negotiations.