Iranian nuclear: an engaged discussion process
(BRUSSELS2) The main result of the Almaty meeting between the E3+3 (Europeans + USA, Russia, China) and Iran is to have agreed on a meeting schedule. A meeting between technical experts will take place in Istanbul on March 18. " This is important, because it is an opportunity for the Iranians to examine in detail with their technical staff the proposal that we are putting on the table. explained Catherine Ashton, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs who chaired the meeting. And a new meeting at the political level will take place in Almaty, on April 5 and 6.
A proposal of trust
For the High Representative, a first step has been taken. " We put what we call a confidence-building proposal on the table. This is an opportunity for Iran to take some initial steps that would improve the international community's confidence in the peaceful nature of its entire nuclear program, in return for which we would do things like that. This could lead us to be able to move forward further with substantive discussions. . "
But caution remains. " Almaty's feeling today is that we now have a process (under way). But real optimism will come when we start to see real progress. Our hope is to see Iran move forward, consider this proposal, accept it and commit to implementing their part. This will be real progress, and it will be the real cause for optimism. »
Download the statement of the EU High Representative after Almaty