July 23, 2008	Wednesday	Rajab 19, 1429

WASHINGTON: The New York Times released on Tuesday what it called a two-page informal document that outlined Tehran’s approach to last week’s nuclear talks in Geneva and was distributed by Iranian negotiators.

The paper called for seven more rounds of talks, stressed the need for an end to sanctions, and made no mention of an incentives package offered by six world powers in exchange for a suspension of uranium enrichment by the Islamic republic.

The English language document contained two spelling errors, and was titled “The Modality for Comrehensive (sic) Negotiations (None Paper),” in an apparent reference to the diplomatic term “nonpaper,” as an unofficial negotiating document is commonly called.

“The paper calls for a huge exercise in talking,” the Times quoted an unnamed senior European official as saying. “If you were to try to implement it, it would take a minimum of several years.” The newspaper said it obtained a copy but did not say how, and added that Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Kisliak, “could not suppress a laugh when he read it, according to one participant.” Iran did not mention its nuclear activities, saying only: “The parties will abstain from referring to, or discussing, divergent issues that can potentially hinder the progress of negotiations,” according to the document.

The document outlines “Stage One: Preliminary talks,” which would involve a maximum three rounds of talks with EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana to determine “the timetable and agenda of negotiations that will take place in the next stage.” Then, a “minimum of 4 meetings will take place” between Iranian negotiators, Solana, foreign ministers of the five permanent Security Council members and Germany.In this “Stage Two: Start of Talks,” the world powers would “refrain from taking any unilateral or multilateral action — or sanctions — against Iran, both inside and outside the UNSC”.

Stage Two would also include agreement on a “timetable, list of issues to be discussed, and priorities of the negotiations.” Finally, “Stage Three: Negotiations” would be conducted within a two month period that could be extended “upon mutual agreement.” The six world powers would “discontinue the sanctions and existing UNSC resolutions. Iran, in turn, will implement the agreed action,” it said.

No specifics were offered about the “agreed action.” The document concludes by saying once a “comprehensive agreement” is reached, “Iran’s nuclear issue must be concluded in the UNSC and fully and completely returned to the Agency,” an apparent reference to the International Atomic Energy Agency.—AFP