Important talks on Iran’s nuclear programme

“I am pleased to note that the parties have shown a willingness to negotiate at this week’s talks in Baghdad. Although the talks have been challenging and intense, the negotiating teams are making an important diplomatic contribution,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. 

Following preliminary talks in Istanbul on 14 April, the parties met again in Baghdad  on 23–24 May. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton chaired the talks on behalf of France, China, Russia, the UK, the US and Germany.The talks focused primarily on the degree of enrichment of uranium in Iran’s nuclear programme. The next round of talks is expected to be held in Moscow on 18–19 June. Parallel to the EU-led process, the IAEA is continuing talks with Iran on greater transparency with regard to the possible military dimension of its nuclear programme.

“Norway supports the international effort to find a peaceful political solution to the conflict over Iran’s nuclear programme. I hope that further talks will foster confidence and lead to concrete results that reduce the uncertainty surrounding the aim of the nuclear programme,” said Mr Støre.