The Iran Primer

       Iran and the world’s six major powers held talks in Geneva on Dec. 6 and 7. The only agreement was to hold a second round in Istanbul in January. These are major statements or comments by the delegations as widely reported in the press. .

 

European Union foreign policy chief Lady Catherine Ashton: "We have had nearly two days of detailed substantive talks focusing on the Iranian nuclear program and the need for Iran to comply with its international obligations. We and Iran agreed to a continuation of these talks in late January in Istanbul, where we plan to discuss practical ideas and ways of cooperating towards a resolution of our core concerns about the nuclear issue,” Ashton concluded her statement, walking out without taking any questions from the journalists in Geneva.

Senior American official: “We did not meet with the Iranians bilaterally. Others did and delivered the unified message that Iran needs to address the international community’s concern about its nuclear program…We had several informal interactions which were useful to reinforce our main concerns…Expectations were low, and I can't say they were exceeded."

 

 

Iranian chief negotiator Saeed Jalili: "I am announcing openly and clearly that Iran will not discuss a uranium enrichment halt in the next meeting in Istanbul with major powers. We reject the idea of talks under pressure."

 

 

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad quoted on state television: "If you come to talks with sincerity, loyalty to the law, friendship and respect ... and cancel resolutions, sanctions and some restrictions that you imposed, it will definitely be helpful. "But if you again come with deception and animosity, not respecting the rights of the Iranian nation ... the response of the Iranian nation will be the same as you've received until today. This response will be very regretful."