No date set for next Iran-5+1 talks

Date and venue for talks between Iran and the Group 5+1 have not been decided as yet, but Iran will continue negotiations to make an accord with the world powers on the issue, Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said on Thursday.

He made the remarks in an interview with IRNA on the sidlelines of the second national conference on the Caspian Sea legal regime.

"Iran is committed to safeguard its national interests in an ethical approach based on international rules and regulations", Salehi said.

Addressing the second national conference on the Caspian Sea legal regime, he noted that the Islamic Republic of Iran spares no efforts to safeguard national interests.

He maintained that Iran's commitment to all conventions was due to its adherence to Islamic values and principles, and that Iran was among few countries in the world which has multitude of neighbors and is trying to use the chance of having 15 neighbors.

Salehi said that the Islamic Republic of Iran focused on bolstering convergence with its neighbors in line with rationality and adopting practical approach to achieve the goals.

Referring to the pressures exerted on Iran by the West, he expressed confidence that Tehran will soon overcome international sanctions.

He said that, however, Iran must pay the price for its independence.

In the meantime, while media had declared that Iran and six world powers would resume talks in late January, Russian Foreign Ministry in a statement released on Thursday noted that Moscow would continue to work, including with Iranian partners, to resolve issue of time and venue for talks as soon as possible.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said later that there was an understanding among the parties involved that the meeting should take place this month, and that the dates reported by media - January 28-29 - were being discussed.

Last meeting and talks between Iran and world powers took place in Moscow in June.

The United States, Israel and some of their allies suspect Iran of pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy program.

Iran refutes the allegation and argues that as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and an IAEA member state, it is entitled to develop and acquire nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.


/Trend/