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Published 14 Apr, 2012 07:05pm

Iran nuclear talks constructive, says EU envoy

ISTANBUL: Iran and world powers agreed in nuclear talks Saturday to hold another, more in-depth meeting in Baghdad on May 23, EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said after “constructive” discussions here.

“We expect the subsequent meetings will lead to concrete steps towards a comprehensive negotiated solution which restores international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear programme,” Ashton said.

“This is why we will meet again soon on the 23rd of May in Baghdad.”

Ashton said future talks will be guided by the ''principle of a step-by-step approach and reciprocity.'' That indicates the international community is ready to reward Iran if it reduces fears that it may use its atomic program to make weapons.

She also said that Iran has a right to a peaceful nuclear program. At the same time, she says the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty must be the ''key basis'' for future talks.

Iran's Chief Nuclear Negotiator Saeed Jalili said that Iranian request for lifting of sanctions should be one of the issues included in cooperation.

He said next talks should be based on confidence building measures, which would build the confidence of Iranians.

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