FM Hopes Talks With G5+1 To Settle West-Iran Nuclear Dispute

Tehran, Sept 24, IRNA – Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif Monday hoped that Iran’s upcoming talks with the Group 5+1 would help resolve the nuclear dispute with the West. Zarif who is currently in New York to attend the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly made the remarks after a meeting with British Foreign Secretary William Hague. The two exchanged views on major regional and international developments including the latest situation in Syria and Afghanistan as well as Iran’s nuclear issue. According to a statement issued by Iran’s Foreign Ministry Press and Information Office on Tuesday, Zarif also met with the European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton in New York. Referring to his meeting with Ashton as “constructive,” the Iranian minister said it was “a positive start.” Criticizing illegal and ineffective sanctions against Iran, Zarif said they have only targeted the Iranian people. Praising the high turnout of the Iranian people in the 11th presidential elections, Zarif called on the West to have a new look to the issues related to Iran./end