Talks On Final Nuclear Deal Draft Start In Vienna

Vienna, May 14, IRNA - Negotiations on a draft for a potentially historic final agreement on Iranˈs nuclear program kicked off in Vienna on Wednesday as diplomats from Iran and six world powers met for the fourth round of talks. Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton chaired the opening plenary session. According to Zarif, talks were to begin with a general discussion on the framework followed by negotiations on the details. Although Iran expects tough talks, it is determined to reach an agreement with the six powers --the US, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany -- on its nuclear program before the July 20 deadline. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said earlier his country was ˈfully prepared to achieve an agreement before the deadline.ˈ We are ˈvery hopefulˈ and so is the other side that an agreement can be reached before July 20, if there is goodwill and real political determination, Araqchi said./end