Iranian, Greek Top Diplomats Discuss Bilateral Ties, Regional Developments

(FNA)- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Greek counterpart Evangelos Venizelos in a meeting in New York conferred on the latest developments in the bilateral relations as well as the regional and international issues.

During the meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly summit in New York on Wednesday, Venizelos expressed the hope that obstacles to reaching a comprehensive nuclear deal between Iran and Group 5+1(the US, Russia, China, Britain and France plus Germany) will be removed through continued efforts.

Zarif, for his part, reiterated Tehran's determination for not mixing up any new topic with the nuclear talks, and underlined Iran's clear stance on reaching a comprehensive agreement in the nuclear issue.

The two ministers also reviewed major bilateral, regional and international developments.

The 7th round of talks between Iran and the Group 5+1 started in New York on Friday.

The two sides held six rounds of negotiations in Vienna to reach a comprehensive deal after they inked an interim agreement in Geneva on November 24.

The Geneva agreement took effect on January 20 and expired six months later on July 20. In July, Tehran and the six countries agreed to extend negotiations until November 24 after they failed to reach an agreement on a number of key issues.

On Tuesday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani underlined that Tehran will powerfully continue the talks with the six world powers, but would never give up its inalienable nuclear rights.

In a meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in New York, President Rouhani said it was a great mistake to think Iran entered the negotiations under pressure.

“Iran entered negotiations with serious resolve in order to serve the interest of itself and others.”

“As long as the Iranian nation’s rights are not damaged, we are prepared for agreement,” added the Iranian president.

Ban, for his part, praised Iran’s fruitful interaction with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its active participation in negotiations with the Group 5+1.

President Rouhani left Tehran on Monday for New York to attend the 69th annual session of the UN General Assembly.