Turkey calls for quick resumption of nuclear talks with Iran

ANKARA (A.A) - Turkey's foreign minister has called on Iran and the Western countries to resume talks over Tehran's nuclear program. "The important thing is to start negotiations and ease tensions at once. And Turkey is ready to extend any help, make any contribution. Because it is high time for talks and a settlement," Ahmet Davutoglu told reporters in a joint press appearance with his Iranian counterpart Ali Akbar Salehi in the Turkish capital, Ankara.   Davutoglu said that Catherine Ashton, the European Union's top foreign and security policy official, had conveyed the Union's readiness for the resumption of the talks, adding that a similar willingness was present on the Iranian side as well.    Salehi said on his part that he encouraged Ashton during a gathering few weeks ago to schedule a meeting with Iran's top nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili. "My wish that these negotiations are held in Istanbul. It is time for the talks to start already if the other side is to act sincerely. If there were any excuses on their part then this would mean that they are against and do not endorse negotiations," Salehi said.