BERLIN, Feb 25: Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Hassan Rowhani said here on Friday he would welcome US assistance in talks with European nations over his country's controversial nuclear programme.

"The negotiating partners are the three European nations" Germany, France and Britain, Mr Rowhani said, but "Iran would welcome it if the United States helped." Mr Rowhani, who was speaking after a meeting with German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, did not clarify what he meant by "help".

Hassan Rohani predicted a fourth round of talks with the EU trio next month would yield positive results. "We are confident that with effective measures from all four sides, we can see a positive result in March." But in comments published in the French newspaper Le Monde after a meeting in Paris on Thursday, he said talks were going slowly. "In general, I note that the Europeans are incapable of coming good on their promises."

The three European countries are seeking to persuade Iran to abandon the nuclear fuel cycle that can be used to make atomic weapons, in return for a lucrative economic package. -AFP