France: Iran Nuke Talks Fragile, But Progressing

Associated Press, The Jerusalem Post:

Negotiations over Iran's nuclear program are at a fragile stage but making progress, France's foreign minister said Wednesday, echoing comments made by Iran's visiting president.

President Mohammad Khatami was due to leave Paris on Wednesday following talks with President Jacques Chirac on the nuclear issue on Tuesday and work on his pet project, creating a "dialogue between civilizations."

"The talks are very fragile but we are progressing," French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier said at a meeting with American and British reporters. ... READ MORE

Khatami said Tuesday, after talks with Chirac, that he was "certain that today we are closer to a solution than we were a while back."

Barnier said top officials in the talks were to meet April 29 to discuss Iran's latest proposals. He described the planned gathering as a "very important meeting."

Barnier particpated in Tuesday's talks between Chirac and Khatami and met separately with his Iranian counterpart, Kamal Kharazi.

The Europeans are seeking "objective guarantees" that Tehran's nuclear program is for peaceful and civilian purposes only. He described Iran's latest proposals as detailed, but added, "We don't yet have objective guarantees." He said he did not know how long the talks could last.

Khatami said Tuesday that Iran had proposed "an overall plan" to resolve the nuclear issue, and "the European reaction, particularly that of France, has been very open."

Iran agreed in November to temporarily freeze uranium enrichment, but insists the move is temporary.

Barnier stressed the importance of Washington's support in the talks. The United States initially opposed the European effort but has softened its tone to see if diplomacy can work.

"Everyone has an interest in the success of this political and diplomatic option," Barnier told the Anglo-American Press Association.

What is important now is "to maintain the thread of negotiations," he said.

"We need the understanding and accompaniment of the United States."