BICOM

In usually direct language, a spokesman for European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton yesterday criticised Iran for dragging its feet over talks regarding its nuclear programme.

Ashton has been tasked with coordinating discussions between Iran and the so-called P5+1 – the US, UK, China, Russia, France and Germany – who are leading the international effort to resolve concerns over Tehran’s nuclear development. The two sides have not met since June and three previous rounds of negotiations have so far failed to bring about a breakthrough. It had been hoped that the aftermath of the US presidential election in November would provide impetus for a new round of talks this month, but so far no venue or date has been finalised.

Speaking yesterday, Ashton’s spokesman Michael Mann said that Iran was responsible for the delay, commenting, “We proposed concrete dates and a venue in December… Since then, we have been very surprised to see Iran come back to us again and again with new pre-conditions on the modalities of the talks, for example by changing the venue and delaying their responses.”

Mann’s comments came after Iranian media yesterday reported that Tehran had made a new suggestion that talks be held in the Egyptian capital Cairo.

Mann reiterated that negotiators on both side remained in contact and that “The [international powers] are still hoping to reach agreement with Iran on the modalities of the talks, including venue, with a view to resuming talks shortly.”