Progress in talks depends on U.S. ‘goodwill’ – envoyFebruary 6, 2013 - 21:00 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Progress at talks between world powers and Iran on its nuclear program later this month will depend on the United States showing "genuine honesty and goodwill", the Islamic Republic's ambassador to Russia said on Wednesday, Feb 6, according to Reuters. The two sides will meet in Kazakhstan on Feb 26 in another effort to forge a deal on Iran's nuclear ambitions. Iran says it wants only peaceful energy from nuclear fuel while the powers suspect it is pursuing the means to develop nuclear weapons. Previous attempts have failed to yield an overall agreement on curbing and monitoring Iran's nuclear activities and hopes of success at the next talks have been tempered by signs of skepticism in Tehran. But a senior Russian official said he hoped progress was possible and Iran's ambassador to Russia, Mahmoud Reza Sajjadi, said the ball was in Washington's court. "If they (the United States) demonstrate genuine goodwill and honesty, we'll have the best possible talks," the envoy told a news conference in Moscow, sitting in front of a screen showing a montage of Iranian cultural and sporting achievements. He echoed Iran's foreign minister in welcoming U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden's offer of bilateral talks on Saturday, but in other comments the ambassador sought to cast doubt on the trustworthiness of Washington. "Our attitude to this proposal is positive ... but I ask you Russians, how much do you believe Americans?" Sajjadi said. "Obama said America would not let Israel build new settlements (in occupied territory) ... Did they keep their word?" Western diplomats say Iran has avoided addressing their concerns in previous rounds talks to buy time to develop nuclear technology with potential civilian or military applications. The talks this month in the Kazakh city of Almaty will bring together officials from Iran as well as the United States, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |