Iran, EU reiterate willingness to resume nuclear talks

Aug 11, 2008, 10:25 GMT

Tehran - Iran and the European Union on Monday reiterated their willingness to resume talks on the dispute over Iran's controversial nuclear programmes, ISNA news agency reported.

Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Saeid Jalili and EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana agreed in a phone contact to continue what Iran called 'talks in a constructive atmosphere,' ISNA reported.

According to Tehran media, the two had voiced the same willingness in a phone call last Monday.

Iran has yet to give a clear reply to the latest proposal by the world powers, to either accept suspension of uranium enrichment and avail itself of Western political and financial incentives, or reject suspension again and face new sanctions.

Although Tehran still wants negotiations with the five UN veto powers plus Germany to find a settlement to the dispute, the Islamic state however harshly rejects any ultimatum or deadline.

A government spokesman said Sunday the new UN sanctions put into force by the EU last Friday would be 'fruitless,' adding that Iran's firm position in the nuclear dispute would not change with sanctions and threats.