VIENNA, November 20 (Sputnik) — EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini on Thursday urged Iran to “open the way” for a permanent agreement with the six world powers, which she hailed as a new chapter in the relations between the Islamic Republic and the international community.
“This is a time for Iran to take the strategic decision to open the way for a historic and final settlement of the nuclear issue which would also mark the beginning of a new chapter in relations between Iran and the international community,” Mogherini said in a statement.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs said that the talks on the Iranian nuclear program, now underway in Vienna, have entered “a decisive phase”, with just four days to meet a November 24 deadline.
“I hope that they will succeed in achieving a long-term and comprehensive diplomatic solution which will address international concerns as regard the Iranian nuclear issue,” the European Commission’s vice president said, while also praising the contribution of former EU policy chief Catherine Ashton.
The final round of Tehran’s talks with the P5+1 group, comprising Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China and Germany, began in Vienna on Tuesday.
Tehran claims its nuclear development is aimed purely at civilian needs, such as meeting the country’s growing energy needs. However, the West suspects Iran of developing a nuclear weapon under the guise of a peaceful program. Iran’s earlier nuclear activities triggered the imposition of sanctions against Iran by the UN Security Council, as well as by the United States and the European Union.
