The European Union will discuss with the Iran Six of international mediators Tehran’s proposal to include Turkey and Brazil in talks on its nuclear program, a spokeswoman for the EU’s foreign affairs chief said on Wednesday.
Catherine Ashton’s spokeswoman said the decision would be made after consultations with all sides.
The statement comes two weeks after Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said Tehran wanted Turkey and Brazil to take part in talks spearheaded by the Iran Six – a group of international mediators consisting of Russia, the United States, China, France, Britain and Germany.
Earlier this month, Iran’s top nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili said Tehran was ready to resume talks in September.
The West suspects Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, but Tehran insists its nuclear program is entirely peaceful.
On June 9, the UN Security Council approved a fourth round of sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program, including tougher financial controls and an expanded arms embargo, as well as an asset ban on three dozen companies and a travel freeze on individuals.
Later, the United States and the European Union imposed extra unilateral sanctions against Iran, including tougher restrictions on the energy sector and a tougher trade embargo.
Iran says the sanctions will only hinder talks on resolving the issue.
BRUSSELS, July 28 (RIA Novosti)
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