German FM Calls For Swift Resumption Of Direct Iran Talks

Berlin, Feb 6, IRNA - German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle urged the swift resumption of direct talks with Iran geared at resolving the Iranian nuclear issue. Westerwelle said in a press statement released in Berlin on Tuesday that the latest remarks by his Iranian counterpart Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi that Iran was ready for bilateral talks with the United States had ˈcreated a window of opportunityˈ that could be used for a sincere dialogue. ˈThe stated willingness to talk should open the way to substantive discussions as soon as possible,ˈ said Westerwelle. He reiterated the need to resolve this issue through political and diplomatic means, saying this yearˈs main focus should be on lowering tensions. Iran has cautiously welcomed the US offer for direct talks, provided the talks were ˈauthentic, real and fair.ˈ /end