Diplomats work on detailed plan over Iran nuclear program
Iran and the six world powers have held talks again in Geneva over Tehran’s nuclear program. The latest negotiations are meant to translate the interim deal struck in November into a detailed plan. According to Iranian media, the teams have until the end of January to write up a concrete plan that "all" parties can agree on.
When foreign ministers from Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council - plus Germany - inked an agreement to limit Iran’s nuclear research, it was a landmark first step, but the technical details were left to nuclear experts from each country to hammer out.
"Political director level officials from Iran and P5+1 met officially later on Monday in the hotel right behind me.....While this round of the negotiations has attracted little media attention, none of the participants meeting here behind closed doors underestimate its importance." said Liu Xin, Geneva.
The type of uranium atom used to make nuclear fuel - U-235 - makes up less than one percent of unprocessed uranium ore. Under the ’Joint Plan of Action’ signed on November 24th, for a period of six months, Iran will purify its uranium ore to a concentration of no more than five percent U-235-the degree of purity in nuclear fuel rods. Iran also agreed to neutralize its existing stockpile uranium enriched to 20 percent-the type used in nuclear medicines. Weapons grade uranium is 90 percent U-235.
In return, the west will lift sanctions on oil exports, imports of car parts and trade in precious metals, among other measures.
Iran continues to stress that its nuclear research is focused on the development of clean energy and medical applications, insisting that it has no interest in building a nuclear weapon.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned that his country will not back down "one iota" from its right to maintain some of nuclear facilities, including its heavy water reactor. According to the Vice Speaker of Iran’s parliament, Khamenei has characterized the negotiations as a "full-scale war taking place at the diplomatic front."
Despite the militant tone in such remarks, both sides continue to express optimism that this round will make progress. After a three and-a-half hour consultation on Monday with the EU officials, the head of the Iranian delegation emerged in good mood.
"Mr. Baeedinejad, how did the talks go "
"It goes well." said Hamid Baeedinejad, Political Director, Iran Foreign Ministry.
"The atmosphere how would you describe."
"The atmosphere was good and also we’ll continue in the afternoon."
"Are we closer to a deal Are you hopeful that we’ll have a deal at the end of today "
"We are trying very hard and we are optimistic."
The target date for implementation is January 20th -with all parties declaring their intent to resolve the impasse over Iran’s nuclear program-through peaceful negotiation.
