EU, Iran issue joint statement on nuclear talks

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif adopted here on Wednesday a joint statement following two days of what they termed as "substantive and forward looking negotiations" between Iran and the P5+1 Group (or E3+3 that is EU three members, and Russia, China and the United States). The statement says: "Building on the positive atmosphere of the first ministerial meeting held in New York on 26 September, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran presented an outline of a plan as a proposed basis for negotiation, which is being carefully considered by the E3+3 as an important contribution. "Members of delegations followed with in-depth bilateral and joint consultations on various elements of the approach. It was decided to convene the next meeting in Geneva on November 7 and 8," it noted "The participants also agreed that E3+3 and Iranian nuclear, scientific and sanctions experts will convene before the next meeting to address differences and to develop practical steps," the statement added.