Iran-P5+1 Negotiations May Be Held In Turkey

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Iran’s Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi says upcoming negotiation between Tehran and the six world powers will “most probably” be held in Turkey.

“Talks between Iran and the P5+1 — Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States plus Germany — will most probably be held in Istanbul,” Salehi said.

Salehi said Turkey’s Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu was in contact with Iran’s top nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili and EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, and the date of negotiations would be announced in the “near future.”

Iran’s Foreign Minister has proposed Turkey as the venue for the upcoming talks between Tehran and the six world powers, suggesting that negotiations should be resumed as soon as possible.

Salehi said any excuse the world powers might come up with for stalling the talks will indicate their reluctance to resolve the issue regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

Salehi said the economies of Iran and Turkey are intertwined and added that Iranian officials have a resolve to promote sustainable relations with Turkey to the highest level.

Iran’s top diplomat expressed Tehran’s readiness to accelerate the implementation of bilateral agreements and apply preferential tariffs in trade transactions.

Iran’s Foreign Minister has lauded the country’s close and strong relations with Turkey, noting that the two countries are not rivals.

“We need Turkey as Turkey needs Iran,” Salehi said, adding “Contrary to some claims, the two countries are not rivals, but are complementary to one another.”

Both countries consider their national interests, however, this does not mean that Iran and Turkey act as rivals, Salehi reiterated.

The Iranian foreign minister stressed that Iran will not allow a third country to interfere in Tehran-Ankara ties.

Salehi expressed hope the country will join EU, stating that a Turkish economic growth will also benefit Iran.

Iran’s Foreign Minister also said the US is plotting to win the support of certain regional countries and that there is no need for western interference.

Regional security should be maintained by regional countries. There is no need for the US and Britain interference in this regard, Ali Akbar Salehi said.

He added that the US is carrying out certain activities to “find allies in the region” but Iran recommends regional states to avoid entering dangerous issues.

Asked about the US letter to Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Salehi said Washington should build goodwill and call for talks with no preconditions.

Iran Review

Iran Review is a Tehran-based site that is independent, non-governmental and non-partisan and representing scientific and professional approaches towards Iran’s political, economic, social, religious, and cultural affairs, its foreign policy, and regional and international issues within the framework of analysis and articles.

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