IRANIAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
June 25, 2006
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his Iranian counterpart Manouchehr Mottaki stressed "constructive talks" over Iran`s nuclear program following their meeting in Berlin on Saturday.
The Iranian minister echoed Steinmeier`s statements by saying, "We discussed the most important regional issues and Iran`s peaceful nuclear issue. I agree with the German foreign minister that these talks were constructive. Today was also a good opportunity to exchange views on bilateral ties and ways of further promotion of German-Iranian relations and cooperation," he added.
Mottaki assured the German side that the "3 plus 3" (5+1) package is being "evaluated seriously and thoroughly".
"We see some positive aspects in the 3 plus 3 package. That, notwithstanding, we have questions and ambiguities. We will inform our European friends of our stance once the package has been reviewed by us," said the Iranian diplomat.
Mottaki welcomed also Steinmeier`s suggestion to continue talks between Iran and the other six countries until Tehran declares its position on the 3 plus 3 package. "This can help remove some of the ambiguities which are in the package. We both are of the opinion that a positive atmosphere has been created," he added.
The Iranian official reiterated that any diplomatic solution should ensure the rights of all parties and promote also the strengthening of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Mottaki who is currently visiting Germany as part of a European tour, rejected once again any pre-conditions for talks with the six countries.
Meanwhile Steinmeier expressed
hope that a permanent solution can be achieved in Iran`s nuclear
case. He
also urged
Tehran to suspend enrichment activities in an effort to resume
nuclear talks.