Iran FM says ‘high-level’ talks with EU to be launched soonJuly 28, 2015 - 22:08 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran's Foreign Minister said Tuesday, July 28, that "high-level" talks will soon be launched with the European Union following a nuclear agreement reached with world powers earlier this month, the Associated Press reports. Mohammad Javad Zarif said the talks "in the near future" would focus on energy, the environment and human rights, as well as "extremism, terrorism and sectarianism" in the Middle East. He spoke after meeting with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini in Tehran. Zarif said the talks would begin at the deputy minister level and later be upgraded to foreign ministers. "Various issues are matters of interest for both sides, such as energy, transportation, trade, environment, human rights and drug (trafficking)," he said, according to the AP. He called on the United States to implement the nuclear deal in order to "remove the mistrust of the Iranian people," and said Tehran would follow through on its commitments. The landmark agreement calls for Iran to curb its nuclear activities in exchange for relief from international sanctions. President Hassan Rouhani met with Mogherini as well, and also suggested Iran and the EU pursue closer relations. "Scientific, cultural and political relations with the EU should be developed," Rouhani was quoted as saying by the official IRNA news agency. "However, promoting economic and trade relations is more accessible and easier." 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 | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. 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. |