Rouhani says Iran is ready to resume nuclear talks
Iran's new president says country is ready to resume 'serious' nuclear talks with world powers
8/6/2013TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s new president says his country is ready for “serious” and swift talks with world powers over the nation’s controversial nuclear program.
President Hasan Rouhani says he’s “ready to engage in serious and substantial talks without wasting time” and voiced hope that interactions with the West should be based on “talks, not threats.”
Rouhani spoke to reporters today at his first news conference since taking office. He was inaugurated on Sunday.
Earlier in the day, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, called on Rouhani to schedule “meaningful talks” on the nuclear issue as soon as possible.
The West fears Iran’s nuclear program aims at developing atomic weapons, while Tehran insists it serves only peaceful purposes.
Four rounds of talks since last year have failed to make significant headway.