Frank and harsh exchanges with Iran. But I don't really agree... (shift)
(BRUSSELS2) One of the essential merits of the meeting in Moscow, of the E3+3 (*) was to make it possible to renew the thread of dialogue, left dormant, with Iran. After long months without a response, the Islamic Republic has, in fact, responded to the detailed letter from the guarantors of "nuclear". The meetings took place at the level of the political directors of the 6, chaired by Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the EU, as is the tradition. But it is a fact: the disagreements remain very deep. And imbued with diplomatic language, the statement made by at the end of the meeting leaves no doubt on this subject.
Frank and harsh exchanges...
The exchanges were thorough, rough and frank says Catherine Ashton (**). After " five plenary sessions and several bilateral meetings, we have started tackling the critical issues”. However, it is "clear that there are significant discrepancies between the content of the two positions »
What the E3+3 group was asking for was a "balanced" proposal including "the cessation of enrichment activities by 20%, the closure of the Fordow nuclear facility and the shipment of stockpiles of 20% enriched uranium of nuclear material together with reciprocal measures (considered) as a first measure to build trust”.
Iran's choice...
Now it is “Iran's choice”. “We are waiting for Iran to show” that he is determined to do the job of diplomacy, to focus steps to build trust, and address the concerns of the international community. »
The negotiators therefore agreed to a technical-level meeting in Istanbul on July 3 to "provide further clarification regarding the E3+3 group's proposal, increase the E3+3's understanding of the Iranian response, and explore the issues raised." by Iran during the sessions". This meeting will be followed by a contact at the level of the vice-heads of negotiation Helga Schmid, European side and Dr. Bagheri, Iranian side.
The road to sanctions resumes
Strong divergences, also observed in Paris. " We regret that Iran has still not made the concrete gestures that we expected and which could constitute a first step towards compliance with the resolutions of the Security Council and the Board of Governors of the IAEA. » estimated Laurent Fabius in a statement released Tuesday evening (June 19). And issue a warning. “The pressure must now increase on Iran with the full application on July 1 by the European Union of the oil embargo decided last January. Sanctions will continue to be tightened as long as Iran refuses to negotiate seriously. »
A lost opportunity, no new round of negotiations planned
Same finding of difference in London - there are still " significant differences on substance” pointed out William Hague — with a tone more emphasizing the feeling of failure, blaming the Iranians. " The E3+3 entered the talks in Moscow ready for progress. Our position has been consistently clear and reasonable. (...) We regret that Iran was not prepared to negotiate seriously on the specific concerns of the international community, in particular on the 20% enrichment  ».Â" This is a lost opportunity to resolve (these) concerns. (...) We have been unable to secure another round of talks at this point. However, nuclear experts from both sides will meet to provide more clarity on technical issues. (And) it is following this that we will examine whether there is a sufficient basis for further political negotiations »
And the Briton concludes like his French colleague. " The door remains open for serious engagement and negotiations. EU oil sanctions will come into effect on July 1 and unless Iran chooses a different path, we will work with partners around the world to step up the pressure. ».
(*) the 3 Europeans - France, Germany, United Kingdom - as well as the 3 "Big" members of the UN Security Council (United States, China and Russia)
(**) text translated from English by my little hands... -)
Read also:
Download (in pdf):
- declaration of Catherine Ashton (EU)
- Statement by Laurent Fabius, Minister of Foreign Affairs (France)
- statement by William Hague, Foreign Secretary (United Kingdom)
(updated Wednesday morning with comments from the UK Minister)