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Iran Nuclear Talks Collapse

Tehran refuses to talk without lifting sanctions, wants to continue nuke program

By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 22, 2011 6:42 AM CST

(Newser) – A mere day after talks began between Iran and six world powers, they have collapsed over Iran's insistence that the UN lift sanctions and that it be allowed to continue its nuclear program, reports the AP. "We had hoped to have a detailed and constructive discussion," says a top EU envoy. "But it became clear that the Iranian side was not ready for this unless we agree to preconditions (which) are not the way to proceed." No date for new talks has been set.

"The process can go forward if Iran chooses to respond positively," she said. "We will now wait to see whether they do."

William Burns, Assistant US Secretary for East Asia, center, arrives for talks on Iran's nuclear program at the historical Ciragan Palace in Istanbul, Turkey, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011.
William Burns, Assistant US Secretary for East Asia, center, arrives for talks on Iran's nuclear program at the historical Ciragan Palace in Istanbul, Turkey, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011.   (Salih Zeki Fazlioglu)
China's Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Hailong, front, arrives for talks between Iran and world powers on Iran's nuclear program at the historical Ciragan Palace in Istanbul, Turkey, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011.
China's Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Hailong, front, arrives for talks between Iran and world powers on Iran's nuclear program at the historical Ciragan Palace in Istanbul, Turkey, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011.   (Salih Zeki Fazlioglu)
Iran's Chief Nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili leaves Sultan Ahmed Mosque after Friday prayers there following a round of talks on Iran's nuclear program in Istanbul, Turkey, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011.
Iran's Chief Nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili leaves Sultan Ahmed Mosque after Friday prayers there following a round of talks on Iran's nuclear program in Istanbul, Turkey, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011.   (Burhan Ozbilici)
Iran's Chief Nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili smiles, as he arrives for talks between Iran and world powers on Iran's nuclear program at the historical Ciragan Palace in Istanbul, Turkey, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011. Iran and six world powers sought common ground Friday at talks jeopardized by Tehran's refusal to discuss...
Iran's Chief Nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili smiles, as he arrives for talks between Iran and world powers on Iran's nuclear program at the historical Ciragan Palace in Istanbul, Turkey, Friday, Jan....   (Salih Zeki Fazlioglu)
Iran's Chief Nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili, left, and European Union Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton arrive for talks on Iran's nuclear program in Istanbul, Turkey, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011.
Iran's Chief Nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili, left, and European Union Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton arrive for talks on Iran's nuclear program in Istanbul, Turkey, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011.   (Salih Zeki Fazlioglu)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
mehrheit
Jan 24, 2011 7:53 AM CST
Yes, yes, clearly! Asserting your rights under the NPT is an unreasonable pre-condition, completely unlike the oh-so-reasonable and dialogue-stimulating pre-conditions expected by Israel, USA, in their various dealings with their "enemies",
lowstar
Jan 22, 2011 12:18 PM CST
Okay, we're ready to begin talks about our nuclear program as soon as everyone agrees that we need our nuclear program.
Ucantusethatname
Jan 22, 2011 8:07 AM CST
Did any sane person expect Iran to act differently? If yes, there is a padded cell waiting for you.
 

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