Westˈs Realistic Approach, A Must For Success Of Nuclear Talks With Iran

Moscow, May 17, IRNA - President of Russiaˈs National and International Security Foundation Major General Leonid Shershnev has said a realistic approach by Group 5+1 in talks with Iran is a must for its success. The Russian analyst made the remarks in an exclusive interview with IRNA while commenting on the latest round of talks between Iran and the six big powers (US, Britain, France, Russia and China plus Germany) in Vienna. The fourth round of nuclear talks between Iran and the G5+1, also known as Vienna 4, ended on May 16 in the Austrian capital with no tangible progress. The sides decided to continue their talks in June. The Vienna 4 talks focused on drafting a final nuclear agreement that would ultimately provide a comprehensive solution to the Iranian nuclear issue by the end of the six-month deadline set by an interim accord signed in November 2013. Noting that the talks were held in a peaceful atmosphere, Shreshnev said Iran was entitled to insist on its legitimate nuclear rights as a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) during the Vienna 4 talks. Vienna 4 has proved that Iran and the G5+1 are closer to a final agreement than ever before, said the Russian analyst. He stressed that Iranˈs present nuclear program poses no threat to any country and is not a source of concern for others. Shreshnev stressed the need for immediate lifting of unilateral and illegal sanctions imposed on Iran for its peaceful nuclear program. He expressed hope that removal of all anti-Iran sanctions would lead to better cooperation with Iran by other countries, Russia in particular./end