France Calls Iran Nuclear Talks 'Fragile'

ELAINE GANLEY, Associated Press:

European-led talks aimed at getting Iran to abandon nuclear activities are "very fragile," with negotiators discussing economic, technical and political cooperation, France's foreign minister said Monday. READ MORE

Michel Barnier would not elaborate on the proposals in an interview with The Associated Press. But he said talks range over issues including economic, technical and commercial cooperation, Iran's wish to join the World Trade Organization and political dialogue.

"We are in negotiations that are very fragile and complex. We are advancing with our eyes open," Barnier said. "European proposals are very serious and should be understood as such" by Iran.

The Europeans have been pressing Tehran to abandon its uranium enrichment activities in exchange for economic aid and technical support. Enriched uranium can be used to produce energy or nuclear weapons.

Iran maintains its nuclear activities are meant to generate electricity, but the United States maintains they are part of a weapons program.

Officials from France, Britain and Germany, acting on behalf of the 25-nation European Union, are expected to meet with Iranian officials next week. The talks will likely take place Wednesday in Geneva, French officials said. ...