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Serious Steps Needed to Seal Deal

Serious Steps Needed to Seal Deal
Serious Steps Needed to Seal Deal

Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi says the major powers should take "serious steps" to pave the way for clinching a comprehensive nuclear deal.  

In a meeting with the visiting Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Lapo Pistelli on Tuesday, he said, "We hope to reach a comprehensive agreement with the P5+1 (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany) soon if they take serious steps in the (nuclear) talks," IRNA reported.

"Iran has taken great steps to help find a solution to the nuclear issue and is hopeful that the other side will also take serious steps."

Takht-Ravanchi also touched on the progress made in the relations between the two countries over the past year and called for further expansion of Tehran-Rome relations in various spheres on the basis of mutual interests and existing capacities. Pistelli, for his part, referred to the "significant" role of Iran in the region and stressed his country's resolve to enhance ties with Tehran.

The Italian official said, "In view of the escalation of insecurity as a result of the recent developments in Iraq and Syria and the terrorist actions of the Islamic State (IS) in the region, and for various mutual, regional and international interests, it is necessary for Iran and Italy to increase bilateral cooperation and consultations."

Director of the Center for Strategic Research of the Expediency Council Ali Akbar Velayati also met with the Italian official on Tuesday.

After the meeting, he told reporters, "I discussed the nuclear negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 with the Italian deputy foreign minister who had a positive view on the process of talks," ISNA reported.

Referring to the latest developments in the region, he said, "Iran will spare no effort to help establish peace in Syria under the supervision of the United Nations on condition that the opponents of the Syrian nation and government be disarmed."

He noted that the Italian official called on Iran, as a major regional country, to play a more effective part and help establish peace and stability in the region.

"Pistelli also called for Iran's cooperation in the battle against terrorism to help cleanse the region of the terrorists who are acting against defenseless civilians in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon," Velayati added.

The senior Italian official said Rome seeks to improve bilateral ties, a policy which is welcomed by Tehran, he added.  On the US-led coalition against IS, he said, "The Italian deputy foreign minister believes that any attempt to bring peace and stability to Syria should be made with Iran's cooperation."

Pistelli also told reporters, "My visit actually echoes the deep friendly relations between Iran and Italy."  

Commenting on the nuclear talks between Iran and the major powers, he said EU member states are following the negotiations which can help foster continued cooperation and mutual trust. He touched on the recent developments in the region and said despite the fact that the world has witnessed massive calamities and numerous wars over the past year, the positive trend of Iran-P5+1 talks can promise a brighter future for the international community.

 

Financialtribune.com