Istanbul was the setting for the P5+1 talks on the 14th
of April. Six world powers (the US, UK,
France, China, Russia and Germany) and Iran met to discussed the issues
surrounding Iran’s controversial nuclear plans and its uranium enrichment
program. The talks are the first of any
kind between Iran and foreign nations for 15 months.
The key focus of the dialog was to establish confidence
building measures after months of standoff, with the backdrop of rumours that
Iran is weaponizing its nuclear program and that US is backing Israel in
primitive strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities.
To the extent of rebuilding a degree of trust and openness the
talks have been effective; the chief Iranian negotiator, Saeed Jalili, praised
the progress of the talks. "We have already said we support and welcome
talks," Jalili said. "We had differences of opinion but the points we
agreed on are important and tangible."The European Union's foreign policy
chief, Catherine Ashton, described the talks as "constructive and
useful". There was also a general
belief that Iran had dramatically adjusted its approach from previous talks, where they
had refused to compromise, or even discuss its nuclear program at all.
However,
despite the perceived progress there is still doubt as to whether an effective
comprise can be met. At every step of the
previous negotiations the West has demanded that Iran end its uranium
enrichment program for fear that it will perfect the process enabling the
production of fissile material, suitable for making a nuclear weapon. Meanwhile Iran says that its aims are
entirely peaceful, and that uranium enrichment is its non-negotiable
right.
Despite the positive steps made at re-establishing an
effective dialog the central issue of a lack of trust between Iran and the West
undermines the nuclear dispute. For
decades, Iran and the West have shared an overwhelming lack of faith in each
other's intentions. So is comprise
possible? A situation where Iran can
enrich uranium for a peaceful nuclear program without the fear of sanctions,
and the West has suitable assurances and access for weapons inspectors so that
they can be confided Iran is not trying to develop nuclear weapons – well this
still seems unlikely.
Time will tell whether the talks in Baghdad can produce a
positive outcome, but for now the talks in Istanbul have been a tentative first
step in the right direction.
3 comments:
Ineterest!
great story!
Hm....interest!
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