FM Voices Iran's Readiness For Purposive Talks

Tehran, Aug 18, IRNA – Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a telephone conversation Saturday evening with European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton stressed Irans readiness to hold purposive talks within definite time framework. Zarif also stressed the need for having a serious determination to solve the existing nuclear dispute. He added recognizing Iran's legitimate nuclear rights as well as finding new ways to solve nuclear issue would be proper solutions to end the problem. For her part, Ms. Ashton felicitated Zarif on his appointment as new foreign minister of Iran. The two exchanged views on regional developments and critical situation in Egypt as well as the threat of extremism. Ashton and Zarif also reviewed ways to settle the ongoing crisis in Egypt and prevent bloodshed in that country. The EU foreign policy chief hoped talks between Iran and the sextet- the US, Britain, France, China, Russia and Germany- would resume as soon as possible. She also expressed hope that she would meet the Iranian foreign minister on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting in September in New York and discuss issues of mutual interest./end