Iran's nuke negotiations advancing, no deal likely next week: U.S. officialFebruary 28, 2015 - 11:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Negotiations on an agreement to curb Iran's nuclear program have advanced substantially, but difficult issues remain and a senior U.S. official said he did not expect a deal in the coming week, according to Reuters. U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz will join in talks next week between U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Montreux, Switzerland, the official told a small group of reporters. "Obviously, the negotiations have advanced substantially, gaps have narrowed, but we really don't know if we will be able to close a good deal," said the official, who asked not to be named. "There are still difficult issues. There are still gaps." The United States and five major powers are seeking a deal under which Iran would restrain its nuclear program in exchange for the gradual easing of economic sanctions that have crippled the oil exporter's economy. Washington and some of its allies believe Iran is seeking to develop an atomic bomb, which they regard as a direct threat to Israel as well as to Arab allies of the United States. Iran says its program is solely for peaceful purposes such as power generation. The two sides are working toward a deadline of the end of March, by which U.S. officials have said they want a political framework agreement in place. That would be followed up by a full, technical deal that would be spelled out by June 30. Asked if a political deal was possible in the next week, the U.S. official replied: "I would not expect in the coming week." 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 | 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 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. Civil disobedience campaigns continue in Yerevan People demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation again blocked streets in Yerevan on May 15. |