Iranian negotiator says talks reached ‘turning point’

PanARMENIAN.Net - Negotiations with world powers over how to curb Iran's nuclear program have reached a "turning point" for the better after nearly breaking down last year, the Islamic republic's top official at diplomatic talks said Wednesday, Feb 27, according to The Associated Press.

Saeed Jalili, the secretary for Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said a new offer this week by the world powers to compromise is more realistic than what has been offered in the past. He described the new offer "including some relief from international sanctions" as a step to build confidence between the two sides after similar negotiations in Moscow were nearly derailed last June.

"In this round of talks we have witnessed that despite all the attitudes during the last eight months, they tried to get closer to our viewpoints," Jalili told reporters at the close of two days of talks in Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty, speaking through an interpreter. "We believe this is a turning point."

Jalili did not detail what the sanctions relief might include, or what Iran was willing to do to in exchange.

If they offer steps aimed at strengthening trust, this is important, he said.