EU foreign policy chief pays first visit to IranMarch 10, 2014 - 10:30 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Iranian foreign minister has told the visiting EU foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton that a nuclear deal could come in the next four months, BBC News reports. Mohammad Javad Zarif held talks lasting more than an hour with Baroness Ashton, who is making her first visit to Tehran amid a thaw in relations. "We can do it in four or five months and even shorter," Zarif said. Baroness Ashton cautioned there was "no guarantee" her talks would lead to a comprehensive agreement. World powers want Iran to scale back its nuclear work to ensure it cannot assemble a nuclear weapon. It is the first visit to Iran by an EU policy chief since 2008. "This interim agreement is really important but not as important as a comprehensive agreement [which is]... difficult, challenging," Baroness Ashton said at a joint news conference with Zarif. "There is no guarantee that we will succeed." There was, she added, a need for support from all sides. Zarif said Iran had shown good faith and political will, adding: "We have done our side. It is up to the other side... to come to the negotiating table with a desire, decision and commitment to reach a mutually acceptable agreement." Baroness Ashton also held talks with President Rouhani and Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani in separate meetings on Sunday, March 9. The BBC says the visit is primarily aimed at exploring the potential for a new relationship between Iran and Europe. But it is hoped Baroness Ashton can send a message to Iran's leaders that there is much to gain if they continue to build a new relationship with the international community. Last year's interim deal with the so-called P5+1 - the U.S., UK, France, China and Russia plus Germany - saw Iran curb uranium enrichment. The next high-level talks are scheduled for Vienna on March 17. Iranian media say the trip will also take Baroness Ashton to the historical city of Isfahan on Monday. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. |