Zarif: Final agreement not far away

VIENNA, Nov. 25 (MNA) – In a joint press conference with EU chief representative Catherine Ashton, Iranian FM has said that the day of the comprehensive agreement is not far away. In his closing statement in Vienna, Mohammad Javad Zarif said “since a year ago that we agreed upon a Joint Plan of Action, Iran and the six states’ foreign ministers and political leaders have had intensive talks to reach a comprehensive solution.” He commended the Austrian government for its generous hosting and said, “our preference was to finalize a solution in Vienna, but due to the progress already made and some new proposals that need to be examined, we are certain that there is a better way to reach a comprehensive deal.” While maintaining that Iran and the six states’ FMs have all agreed to continue the diplomatic talks, he added, “we extended the Plan of Action by June, and intend to finalize the negotiations within four months; afterwards, there is time to fine-tune the technical aspects of the agreement.” He noted that the IAEA was asked to supervise the voluntary actions within the framework of the JPoA and added, “the negotiations were extended to provide a short span of time to reach a final agreement.” Zarif stressed that Iran and 5+1 would make every effort to reach a political and then a technical understanding in the minimum time and by no means do they intend to prolong the negotiations for the whole agreed seven months. “Today, the anti-Iranian agenda has failed, and all attempts to depict Iran as a threat have been thwarted,” said the Iranian FM, “this is a sign that proves Iranian people have succeeded, that while they resist against pressure to maintain their rights, they are by no means antagonistic to the world and wish to peacefully interact with all nations.” “Our people will soon see the results of the agreement,” he continued, “the international community will cease exerting pressure which has had no effect, and the Iranian nation will keep its plan under the trust of the international community; that day is not far away.” Zarif noted that some pressure-exerting groups will not be too happy today as they see their future in jeopardy, but those were after inflicting terror and nowadays their voices are barely heard.” “They are not concerned about an agreement,” he added, “they are concerned with a situation in which they can put fear into the hearts of people around the world." Zarif maintained that when Iran agrees on something, it would never withdraw from it and said, “our people do not seek conflicts, yet they will not give up their rights. Now the international community has understood that it is only through a fair and balanced agreement that a solution can be reached.” “To reach an agreement, first they must have realized that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful, and without going into details, I will disclose this much that we have reached that stage in the negotiations,” said Zarif.