EU says date for Iran talks next round ‘still being discussed’January 31, 2014 - 16:11 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Global powers and Iran are still discussing when and where to convene talks on a deal for Tehran to rein in its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, the European Union said on Friday, Jan 31, contrary to a Russian media report, according to Reuters. The Russian news agency Interfax had quoted Mikhail Ulyanov, head of the Foreign Ministry's security and disarmament department, as saying earlier on Friday that an agreement had been reached to hold new talks on February 18 in New York. Six world powers, including the United States and Russia, have led years of negotiations aimed at persuading Iran to curb parts of its nuclear program, which Western powers fear is aimed at creating atomic weapons capabilities. Iran denies this. "Discussions on the timing and venue for the next round of talks with Iran are still ongoing. When a decision is taken, we will announce it," said Michael Mann, spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton. A Nov 24 interim deal between Iran and the five permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany took nearly two months to clinch in three rounds of talks in Geneva last year. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said last week Iran is seeking a comprehensive agreement so it can develop its battered economy, inviting Western companies to seize opportunities now. Under the interim deal, which is valid for six months and can be renewed, Iran agreed to suspend its most sensitive nuclear activity in exchange for a limited easing of Western sanctions that are damaging its oil-reliant economy. Related links: 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 | Armenia border residents dissatisfied with delimitation Residents Kirants are dissatisfied with the results of the delimitation of the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. “Great success”: Pashinyan pleased with new border protocol Pashinyan has described the signing by Armenia and Azerbaijan of a protocol on delimitation in Tavush as “a great success”. Armenia, Azerbaijan sign protocol on demarcation coordinates Armenia’s government took on May 15 another step towards handing over four border areas to Azerbaijan. 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 |