Iran, EU Nuclear Talks Begin in Brussels

Iranian and European Union representatives yesterday began negotiations for a long-term agreement on Iran’s nuclear program and the economic and security rewards Tehran could receive for its cooperation on the matter, the New York Times reported (see GSN, Dec. 13).

“The negotiations we are embarking upon today can be indicative of the new chapter of our relations, not only with the three European countries, but with the European Union as a whole,” said Iran’s senior negotiator, Hassan Rohani, who is meeting in Brussels with representatives from France, Germany, the United Kingdom and European Union.

“All of us here share a determination to see progress. Some of the issues are of course difficult. But we’re all committed to a successful outcome of the process,” said British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw.

Two sets of talks are being conducted, according to the Times — one aimed at making permanent Iran’s agreement to suspend its uranium enrichment activities, and another to reward Iran with trade and security deals.

Meanwhile, the United States yesterday blocked Iran’s application to open membership talks with the World Trade Organization, which rejected Iran’s application for the 16th consecutive time, according to the Times.

Potential support for Iranian membership in the body is one reward the European powers are offering (Elaine Sciolino, New York Times, Dec. 13).

Iranian officials said today that they expect the negotiations to conclude quickly, Agence France-Presse reported.

“We hope they go to quickly and work seriously in this phase of discussion,” said Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi, mentioning a three-month time frame for the negotiations, a duration questioned by several of the Europeans.

“If the talks have been positive and we have obtained that to which we have the right, we will continue. If we have wasted our time, we will take our decision,” he added (Agence France-Presse/SpaceWar.com, Dec. 14).

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