Iran told world powers it is ready to resume stalled nuclear talks at the “earliest” opportunity as long as they respect its right to peaceful atomic energy, according to a letter seen by AFP on Thursday.
Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili, made the offer in a letter to European Union chief diplomat Catherine Ashton, who represents the United States, France, Britain, Germany, China and Russia in the talks.
“We voice our readiness for dialogue on a spectrum of various issues which can provide ground for constructive and forward looking cooperation,” Jalili wrote in the letter dated February 14.
He said Iran welcomed a statement in a letter sent by Ashton on “respecting Islamic Republic of Iran’s right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy consistent with the NPT (nuclear non-proliferation treaty).”
“No doubt that by committing to this approach, our talks for cooperation based on step by step principles and reciprocity on Iran’s nuclear issue could be commenced,” Jalili wrote.
“Constructive and positive attitude towards Islamic Republic of Iran’s new initiatives in this round of talks could open positive perspective for our negotiation,” he said, without spelling out the initiatives.
