Iran should first take confidence-building steps

The French foreign minister says Iran should be the first side to take confidence-building steps during the forthcoming negotiations with the world’s six major powers.

“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.


/PressTV/