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Iran says nuclear talks a step forward

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-07-20 21:25

TEHRAN  -- Iran's president described talks with world powers on its disputed nuclear program as a step forward on Sunday, official media said, even though the meeting in Geneva failed to produce any breakthrough in the standoff.

At Saturday's discussions in the Swiss city, the six powers gave the Islamic Republic two weeks to answer calls to rein in its nuclear activities or face tougher sanctions after talks ended in stalemate despite unprecedented US participation.

Iran's top nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili (L) is pictured before a meeting on nuclear issues with European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana (R), and US Undersecretary of State William Burns (3rdR) in Geneva. [Agencies]

Prospects of ending the row looked dim as Iran's top nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili said Iran would not discuss a demand to freeze sensitive atomic work the West fears is aimed at making bombs at the next meeting. Iran says its aims are peaceful.

But Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad gave an upbeat assessment. "Any negotiation that takes place is a step forward," he told reporters, according to IRNA.

"Yesterday's negotiation is regarded as one of these forward-moving negotiations," Ahmadinejad said.

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