0510 GMT: Only a week ago, the discussions between Iran and the 5+1 Powers (US, Britain, France, Germany, China, and Russia) on Tehran's nuclear programme were on the point of breakdown, as the Islamic Republic criticised the European Union for rejecting preparatory talks before Monday's formal discussions in Moscow.
However, a phone call between Iran's lead negotiator, Saeed Jalili, and the EU's Catherine Ashton brought an agreement to go to Russia. At Tehran Friday Prayers yesterday, Ayatollah Jannati, the head of the Guardian Council, said, "The negotiations...have so far progressed well and the Islamic Republic hopes that the Moscow talks will also reach a positive conclusion." Vice President Ali Saeedloo said he was "optimistic" after this week's visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to Tehran.
So are we on the point of breakthrough replacing breakdown?
Not so fast. The odds are just as good that the Islamic Republic's leaders are preparing for the failure of the negotiating, showing their public that they have valiantly defended the country and putting the blame on the "West".
Or, as Jannati framed the position on Friday, "The Iranian nation has withstood years of Western pressure and sanctions for the realization of its nuclear energy rights and it will not give them up now. The Iranians are a logical nation and will not be forced into negotiating and will also not give up their inalienable rights."
Posted via email from lissping
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