Zarif Confirms Brief Bilateral Talk With US Counterpart

New York, Sept 28, IRNA – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif confirmed here Thursday he had a brief bilateral talk with his American counterpart John Kerry on the sidelines of the Iran-G5+1 talks in New York at the UN headquarters building. Zarif did not refer to the contents of his talks with Kerry though, but said Im satisfied with this first step, referring to the nuclear talks, adding, “now we have to see whether we can match our positive words with serious deeds.” Zarif added that Iran hopes to achieve a complete lifting of international sanctions imposed on Iran over its nuclear activities. US and Iranian officials emerged from high-level talks on Iran’s nuclear program Thursday pleased with the positive tone of the negotiations – but noted that a lot of work lies ahead to resolve a standoff with Tehran. Diplomats from the US, China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany met with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Secretary of State John Kerry said after his brief talk with Zarif following the nuclear talks, that he welcomed the change in tone. Needless to say, one meeting and a change in tone, which was welcome, doesn't answer those questions yet and there is a lot of work to be done, Kerry said./end