Iranian FM, EU’s Borrell discuss Vienna talks on the phone

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and European Union Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell, in a telephone conversation on Monday evening, exchanged views over the latest developments in the sanctions removal talks in Vienna.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and European Union Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell, in a telephone conversation on Monday evening, exchanged views over the latest developments in the sanctions removal talks in Vienna.

Amirabdollahian said the Iranian delegation sat at the negotiating table with determination and seriousness to reach a deal and presented constructive ideas to resolve the remaining issues. He added that the Islamic Republic of Iran has presented its views and observations regarding the ideas offered by Enrique Mora to the coordinator of the Vienna talks. The foreign minister also said all parties are expected to show determination and seriousness to come up with a final text of a draft agreement.

Amirabdollahian then appreciated Mora’s efforts toward facilitating the process of reaching an agreement, noting that a final deal must fulfill the rights and interests of the Iranian people and guarantee the sustainable removal of anti-Iran sanctions.

European Union Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell said for his part in the phone talks that he believed relative progress was made in the latest round of the talks in Vienna.

He added, “My assessment of this phase of talks is positive. We, as coordinators, will continue our efforts to bring the views of the parties closer together to reach a deal that is good for all sides.”

Amirabdollahian expressed hope in the end that if parties to the talks, especially the US, act realistically and avoid adopting unconstructive approaches, the road will be paved for an agreement.