Germany Eyes Iranian Nuclear Compromise Ahead Of Baghdad Talks

Berlin, May 15, IRNA -- The German government here Monday voiced hope for a "compromise" on the Iranian nuclear issue ahead of the so-called P5 plus 1 talks in Baghdad on May 23. Referring to the ongoing talks between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Iran in Vienna as well as the upcoming Iran nuclear meeting in the Iraqi capital, deputy foreign ministry spokesman Martin Schaefer termed these negotiations as "important." Speaking at a regular weekly press briefing, Schaefer stressed the need for progress in the talks in Vienna and Baghdad. Both talks should focus on "concrete proposals and compromise" geared at "the right direction," the German diplomat said. Earlier in the day, the UN nuclear watchdog kicked off a new round of talks with Iran on Tehran's nuclear program as senior officials of both sides started a two-day meeting in the Austrian capital. The negotiations come shortly before Iran is scheduled to meet with the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China on May 23 in Baghdad for a new round of wider-ranging talks aimed at building mutual confidence. Iran and the six western powers revived talks on the nuclear dossier in Istanbul in March. Both sides labeled the meeting as "positive" and are looking forward to the next round of discussions in Baghdad./end