IRAN-NUCLEAR/END "Framework" for final deal reached at Iran nuclear talks

Record ID: 136080

  • Title: IRAN-NUCLEAR/END "Framework" for final deal reached at Iran nuclear talks
  • Date: 2nd April 2015
  • Summary: LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND (APRIL 2, 2015) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF HOTEL BEAU RIVAGE WHERE IRAN NUCLEAR TALKS WERE HELD EU FOREIGN POLICY CHIEF FEDERICA MOGHERINI LEAVING HOTEL MOGHERINI'S CAR LEAVING U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN KERRY LEAVING HOTEL IRAN'S FOREIGN MINISTER MOHAMMAD JAVAD ZARIF LEAVING MOTORCADE LEAVING FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER LAURENT FABIUS WALKING OUT OF HOTEL A
  • Embargoed: 17th April 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Switzerland
  • Country: Switzerland
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA43FBSRG1BR0HR4RGYA4MUZTPP
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Iran and world powers reached a framework on curbing Iran's nuclear programme at marathon talks in Switzerland on Thursday (April 2) that will allow further negotiations towards a final agreement.
    The tentative agreement clears the way for talks on a future comprehensive settlement that should allay Western fears that Iran was seeking to build an atomic bomb and in return lift economic sanctions on the Islamic Republic.
    The deal wraps up eight days of marathon talks, extended after a deadline of midnight on Tuesday, aiming to achieve a political agreement that could serve as the basis for a final deal by June 30.
    Representatives of all the countries involved posed for a family photo before EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif read out in English and Farsi a joint statement.
    "Today we have taken a decisive step. We have reached solutions on key parameters of a joint comprehensive plan of action. The political determination, the goodwill and the hard work of all parties made it possible," said Mogherini, who has acted as a coordinator for the six powers -- Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States.
    Under the outline deal, Iran would shut down more than two-thirds of its centrifuges producing uranium that could be used to build a bomb, and dismantle a reactor that could produce plutonium and accept intrusive verification in exchange of a lift of economic sanctions imposed on the country by the EU and the U.S.
    "European Union will terminate the implementation of all nuclear-related economic and financial sanctions and the United States will seize the application of all nuclear-related secondary economic and financial sanctions, simultaneously with the IAE (International Atomic Energy Agency)-verified implementation by Iran of its key nuclear commitments. A new U.N. Security Council resolution will endorse the JCPAO, terminate all previous nuclear-related resolutions and incorporate certain restrictive measures for a mutually agreed period of time," Mogherini said.
    Western countries say enriched uranium can be used to make a weapon, which they aim to prevent. Iran says it wants it only for a peaceful nuclear energy programme.
    The talks were the biggest opportunity for rapprochement between Washington and Tehran since they became enemies after Iran's 1979 revolution, but any deal faces scepticism from conservatives in both countries. U.S. allies in the Middle East are also sceptical, especially Israel and Saudi Arabia.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2015. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: None
Register