5+1 group to blame if talks fail

TEHRAN, June 5 (MNA) -- International Atomic Energy Agency Director Yukio Amano’s visit to Tehran two days before the Baghdad talks between Iran and the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany) was interpreted by analysts as a sign of Iran’s goodwill and intention to clear up any ambiguities about its nuclear program. Despite the IAEA’s decision to refer Iran’s nuclear dossier to the United Nations Security Council, which was described by Iranian officials as a politically motivated move, Iran has continuously cooperated with the nuclear watchdog in the framework of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. This is Iran’s trump card in the face of the Western media’s massive propaganda campaign, which is trying to give the world the impression that Iran’s nuclear program is not transparent. Thus, Iran’s green light to Amano’s trip to Tehran paved the way for sorting out issues and drawing up a modality for the Baghdad meeting. And Iranian officials’ openness during the Baghdad negotiations once again showed Iran’s determination to clear up all ambiguities and misunderstandings. Western countries are also expected to respond positively to the measures adopted by Iran and to start cooperation without setting new preconditions. This can raise the level of trust between the two sides and can pave the way for more interaction in the future. However, the negotiations should not entail any additional safeguard. In other words, the only framework acceptable for Iran to continue the talks is the NPT. Although the Iranian government is ready to cooperate on some issues outside of the NPT framework in order to build more trust, this should not be considered a responsibility of the Iranian side during future negotiations. Otherwise, the Westerners would bear the responsibility if the talks founder. Mohammad Jamshidi is the director of the Foreign Policy Department of the Research Center of the Iranian parliament. ( By Mohammad Jamshidi)