Talks between Iran and the U.N. nuclear watchdog failed to produce an agreement on May 15. The two sides met in Vienna, Austria for the 10th round of talks since late 2011. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been trying to reopen an inquiry into possible military dimensions of Iran’s nuclear energy program.
On the same day, Iran’s head nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili, met separately with E.U. foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton in Istanbul, Turkey. He told reporters that the dinner discussion was fruitful and that Iran will discuss a date for another meeting with the world’s six major powers ― the United States, China, Britain, France, Germany and Russia. The sides last met in Almaty Kazakhstan in April 2013. The following are remarks by top officials.
U.N.-Iran Nuclear Talks Fail
General Herman Nackaerts, IAEA deputy director general for safeguards
“We had intensive discussions today but could not finalize the structured approach document that has been under negotiation for a year and a half now. Our commitment to continue dialogue is unwavering. However, we must recognize that our best efforts have not been successful so far. Therefore, we will continue to try and complete this process. A date for the next meeting has still to be set.” May 15, 2013 in a statement
Saeed Jalili, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council
“Last night, as Lady Ashton said, we had long, useful talks… We had the chance to go into details. We decided to continue working and keep on our talks… Our proposals in Almaty [in April 2013] were very good... We hope they will turn our proposal for cooperation into an opportunity… We discussed last night how we can place the process on a framework of reciprocity...
We are ready to continue our talks with the (six powers) whenever they are ready, before or after the presidential election in Iran... Talks will take place soon.” May 16, 2013 to reporters
Lady Catherine Ashton, E.U. high representative
The discussion was "useful.” “We talked about the proposals we had put forward, and we will now reflect on how to go on to the next stage of the process… We will be in touch shortly.” May 15, 2013 in a statement