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Ashton: World powers ‘disappointed’ with Iran’s stance in nuclear talks – Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News.

EU foreign policy chief says at conclusion of nuclear talks in Istanbul that they foundered on Iran’s insistence that UN recognize the country’s right to enrich uranium, lift sanctions.

By News Agencies

The European Union Foreign Policy chief Catherine Ashton said Saturday six-power talks with Iran have ended without agreement because of disputes on the focus of future talks, and added that the world powers were “disappointed” by Iran’s stance during the talks in Istanbul and Tehran’s preconditions were unacceptable.

Ashton also said the two sides have set no date for any new meeting.

	European Union foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton arrives at the Ataturk International airport for talks between Iran and the six world powers in Istanbul, January 20, 2011.
	Photo by: Reuters

Ashton said the talks foundered on Iran’s insistence that the United Nations Security Council lift sanctions imposed because of Iran’s refusal to stop uranium enrichment as a precondition for new negotiations. Iran was also seeking recognition by the six powers that it had a right to enrich uranium.

The EU foreign policy chief said those terms were unacceptable to Iran’s interlocutors.

Meanwhile, a senior Iranian official said at the conclusion of the talks that they will resume, but no date or venue has been set.

“There will be talks but stilll we haven’t decided on the place or venue,” Abolfazl Zohrevand, an aide to Iran’s chief negotiator Saeed Jalili, told Reuters.

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