Danish FM Upbeat On Iran Nuclear Deal By Nov 24

Berlin, Sept 6, IRNA - Danish Foreign Minister Martin Lidegaard stressed that a comprehensive and lasting nuclear agreement with Iran could be reached by the November 24 deadline. In an exclusive interview with IRNA ahead of his visit to Iran, Lidegaard said he remained optimistic that such a deal could be achieved, if there was a ˈpolitical will.ˈ ˈWe are very encouraged by recent information by the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) that Iran continues to meet the relevant obligations under the Joint Plan of Action. This gives grounds for optimism that a final and comprehensive deal indeed can be reached by the deadline set for 24 November,ˈ Lidegaard said. ˈVery difficult negotiations are, however, ahead but with the necessary political will and further concrete results and verifiable progress over the next few months this is a possibility. I remain optimistic,ˈ he added. The Danish minister reiterated the need for the international community to have ˈfull confidence in the peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear programˈ, saying continued monitoring by the IAEA was therefore ˈessential.ˈ Lidegaard made clear that once a nuclear accord with Iran is reached, all sanctions should be swiftly lifted. ˈThere is a very direct link between reaching a verifiable and lasting nuclear accord with Iran and the lifting of sanctions. The Danish approach, indeed, is that once the reasons for which sanctions were introduced have been removed, the sanctions should also be removed as soon as possible,ˈ he said. ˈBut it is clear that the agreements have to be adhered to and the steps taken must be irreversible,ˈ he added. Asked about his imminent Iran visit, Lidegaard said it was part of a regional tour aimed at looking at possibilities of ˈincreased cooperationˈ on crisis hotspots like Syria and Iraq and fighting violent extremism. ˈThe recent developments in Syria and Iraq and the rise of ISIL is part of an unfortunate broader trend of growing violent extremism. This trend is very worrying. It poses a threat to all of us and if we are to counter it effectively, international as well as regional actors must cooperate much closer,ˈ he said. ˈThis also entails pragmatic cooperation between countries that are not normally allies,ˈ the minister added. Lidegaard said his upcoming talks with his Iranian counterpart Mohmmad Javad Zarif would focus on ˈthe developments in the region and how the international community can cooperate to fight violent extremism.ˈ Meanwhile, Denmarkˈs top diplomat hailed the moderate policies of the Iranian government of President Hassan Rouhani. ˈThere is no doubt that relations between Iran and the international community have improved significantly since the election of President Rouhani and his team. The policy of moderation has enabled us to reopen dialogue on a number of issues,ˈ Lidegaard said. ˈIn fact, a visit such as this would not have been possible just a few years ago! The enhanced number of exchanges between Iran and the EU also underlines this development. I hope that this positive development will continue so that we can develop our historical ties even further,ˈ he added. Referring to the current state of relations between Tehran and Copenhagen, Lidegaard said, ˈIran and Denmark have historically enjoyed good bilateral relations. In fact, earlier this year we celebrated the 80-year anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.ˈ ˈIt is no secret that relations have suffered in the past years, but developments over this last year has given hope that we will be able to move forward and strengthen our bilateral relations to the mutual benefits of both countries. This could be economic cooperation, cultural cooperation etc,ˈ he added. Lidegaard expressed hope that during his maiden visit to Iran, he could ˈget a sense of the country and its rich history and culture.ˈ/end