Iran-P5+1 deal possible through joint efforts: Russia

Russia says cooperation among parties to the talks on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear energy program can pave the way for Iran and six world powers to seal a final deal by the July 20 interim agreement deadline.

“Much work should be done. But our joint efforts aimed at searching for compromises can allow us to work out a final document till July 20,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in the Austrian capital, Vienna, on Wednesday.

Representatives from Iran and the six world powers – the US, the UK, France, China, Russia, and Germany – are currently holding talks in Vienna to strike a comprehensive nuclear deal over Iran’s nuclear energy program.

“The final document will be submitted to the P5+1 and Iran ministers. However, there is no such document,” Ryabkov added.
The Russian diplomat also asserted that the current round of talks will last until July 20.

“Some colleagues will stay in Vienna during the whole round. Maybe the US delegation, as well as Iranians, will be represented at the highest level,” he said.

The Russian deputy foreign minister, however, noted that he has to leave Vienna for Brazil to attend a BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) summit, scheduled for July 15-17.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has described the current round of talks as a unique opportunity to make history.

Iran and the six countries have been discussing ways to iron out their differences to achieve a final deal that would end the decade-old dispute over Tehran’s nuclear energy program.

The two sides inked an interim accord in Geneva, Switzerland, on November 23, 2013. Under the deal, the six countries agreed to provide Iran with some sanctions relief in exchange for Tehran agreeing to limit certain aspects of its nuclear activities during a six-month period. The deal expires on July 20 but can be extended depending on the agreement of all parties involved.