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Constructive Talks on JCPOA Implementation

Constructive Talks on JCPOA Implementation
Constructive Talks on JCPOA Implementation

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif described as "constructive" meetings with delegations from major powers in Vienna on Thursday and Friday to discuss ways to facilitate the implementation of the recent nuclear deal.

The talks took place on the sidelines of the peace conference on Syria that for the first time included Iran among participants from 17 countries.

The P5+1 states (the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council plus Germany), which reached the July 14 nuclear accord with Tehran, were also among the attendees, IRNA reported.

The pact, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, grants Iran sanctions relief in return for temporary restrictions on its nuclear program.

"We had extensive discussions with the P5+1, especially the US, to ensure that all parties are pursuing their commitments in every aspect of the action plan," Zarif told reporters in Vienna.

"The negotiations … were good and constructive."

  Good Progress

Zarif said "good progress" was made regarding the arrangements to reconfigure the Arak heavy water reactor and the other sides' fulfillment of its relevant commitments.

The JCPOA was officially adopted on Oct. 18, 90 days after it was endorsed by the United Nations Security Council.

The redesign of Arak reactor is among measures Iran agreed to complete as a precondition to the powers' decision to remove sanctions.

In compliance with the deal, Iran, China and the US are to cooperate to revamp the reactor and on Adoption Day they released a joint statement in this regard.

"In the meetings, Iran sought assurances that the West would impose no restrictions on other countries eager to rebuild trade ties with Tehran after sanctions are lifted," Zarif said, adding that it was agreed to hold follow-up discussions on the issue.

  Upholding Moderation   

On the Syria talks, he said, "Many of the points we raised in the meeting were included in the final statement."

The top diplomat said among the points was that the decision on Syria's future should ultimately rest with the Syrian people.

According to the statement, the political process to resolve the Syria crisis will be "Syrian-led and Syrian-owned, and the Syrian people will decide the future of Syria."

The statement reflects "moderate approaches" rather than "extremist views", Zarif added. 

Financialtribune.com