Ashton: Pending issues in Iran's nuclear file resolved

Remaining issues on implementation of "initial measures" in tackling the Iranian nuclear file have been resolved, the European Union announced.EU High Representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Catherine Ashton, late on Sunday, announced that the outstanding issues on implementation of initial measures were resolved and finalised in a meeting between her deputy, Helga Schmid, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on January 9-10 in Geneva."This was subsequently endorsed by all capitals," she said in a statement and noted that the group of 5+1 and Iran have now reached a common understanding on the implementation modalities for a first step of six months of initial measures as set out in the Geneva Joint Plan of Action of 24th of November 2013.Technical understandings on concrete measures to be implemented by both sides had been worked out in three rounds of intensive technical experts' meetings between the two sides, partly also involving the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), she said."Thanks to this agreement on the implementation modalities, the foundations for a coherent, robust and smooth implementation of the Joint Plan of Action over the six-month period have been laid," stated Ashton.The 5+1, which includes China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK and US and Iran, will now start the implementation of the first step on January 20, 2014, she said and added that "we will ask the IAEA to undertake the necessary nuclear-related monitoring and verification activities." Ashton represents the six nations - the United States, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany - in diplomatic contacts with Iran related to the nuclear issue.Under the November 24 agreement, Iran has promised to curb its most sensitive nuclear activities in return for some relief from Western economic curbs.