Senior Iranian nuclear negotiator Seyyed Abbas Araqchi[/caption]TEHRAN (Tasnim) An Iranian deputy foreign minister hailed as useful and constructive the latest round of talks between Iran and the European members of the Group 5+1 (Britain, France and Germany) over Tehrans peaceful nuclear program, held in Vienna.
Seyed Abbas Araqchi, who is also a senior member of the Iranian team of nuclear negotiators, said the Thursday talks helped the parties gain a better understanding of each others positions.
Representatives of Iran, Britain, France and Germany held 5 hours of talks in the Austrian capital of Vienna on Thursday to discuss the Iranian nuclear energy program.
Todays talks with Simon Gass, Nicolas de Rivire and Hans-Dieter Lucas, representatives of Britain, France and Germany, helped the parties gain a better understanding of the stances, Araqchi said on Thursday night.
The Iranian diplomat, however, added that the sides are still apart on major issues.
Nevertheless, differences on the basic issues still remain in place, he said.
"It was just some consultations and exchange of views trying to bridge the gaps between the two sides," Araqchi noted. "We hope to make progress next week in New York."
The next round of negotiations between Iran and the Group 5+1 (also known as the P5+1 or E3+3) on Tehrans nuclear program is slated for September 18 in New York.
Last November, the two sides signed an interim deal in Geneva, which took effect on January 20 and expired six months later on July 20. In July, Tehran and the six countries agreed to extend negotiations until November 24 after they failed to reach common ground on a number of key issues.
By Tasnim News Agency
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