‘Iran should take 1st step in P5+1 talks’

“Tehran should not expect the US, the UK, Germany, France, China and Russia to come into talks armed with concessions until Tehran acts first to show its nuclear program isn’t meant for military purposes,” Alain Juppe was quoted by the Wall Street Journal as saying on Thursday.

“France is of the opinion – and will remain firm on its position – that this discussion should not start with a unilateral gesture from the six countries. It’s up to Iran to make the gesture,” Juppe added.

The French foreign minister emphasized that the P5+1 – a group comprising of the US, the UK, France, Russia, China, and Germany – is “preparing for [negotiations on] April 13-14 in a location to be determined.”

He noted, however, that France still believes that Iran should be subjected to “extremely strong sanctions without precedent” until it gives up the nuclear energy program.

Referring to the Israeli threats to launch a military strike against Iranian nuclear sites, Juppe said, “This option is being examined by the Israeli government. I think we have to do everything to avoid it.”

The Iran-P5+1 talks are set to take place on April 13-14, but the venue of the negotiations has not been decided, yet.

Iran and the P5+1 have held two rounds of multifaceted talks, one in Geneva in December 2010 and another in the Turkish city of Istanbul in January 2011.

Tehran says it is ready to resume the talks based on common grounds; however, it has repeatedly made it clear that it will not compromise on any of its rights.

SS/HJL

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