One day extension for nuclear deal. Russia and Iran optimistic
Lausanne (AsiaNews / Agencies) – Negotiations seeking an agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue have been extended by one day in the hope of reaching an agreement in writing. The representatives of Iran and the 5 + 1 (US, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany) had set yesterday as the date of closure of the talks, which lasted well into the night, when it was decided to extend negotiations by one day .
The great powers want to reduce Iran's nuclear program with the guarantee that it cannot be used for the purposes of war. In exchange Iran wants all or at least part of the sanctions imposed over the years by the US, Europe and the UN, dropped.
Until yesterday, the US State Department's view was that "we have made good progress," although "there are still many difficult issues."
France also seems to have difficulties in signing the agreement. Last night, Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius flew to Paris, perhaps for consultations.
The difficulties for these two countries seem to come from within. In the US, a pro-Israel lobby, leaning on both Republicans and the Democrats, which strongly opposes any agreement.
In France, the great influence of the United Arab Emirates on its economy means Paris tends to side with the Arab world, penalizing Iran.
The most optimistic is the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who said yesterday that "we at the minister level have reached an agreement in principle on all key aspects of the final settlement of this issue". "It will be put down in writing over the next few hours, maybe during the day". For details, however, the deadline is the end of June.
There is a cautious optimism from Iran: Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that "quite a bit" had been accomplished. "I hope that we can finalise the work on Wednesday " that is today.
Dialogue, misunderstandings and conflicts over the Iranian nuclear issue have dragged on for the past 12 years.
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