Iranian FM calls talks with UN chief 'constructive'

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif underlined that he has had “constructive talks” with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon about the Tehran-West nuclear standoff. “I had satisfactory negotiations with Mr. Ban Ki-moon and we discussed international issues, as well as Iran,” the Iranian foreign minister said on Thursday in New York. Zarif told reporters that the two sides exchanged views on different international issues, specially the Iran’s nuclear case. Zarif is in New York to take part in the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, which opened on September 17. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is slated to travel to New York on September 22 to take part in the event. President Rouhani will deliver a speech on September 24. The US, Israel and some of their allies have repeatedly accused Iran of pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy program, with the US and EU using the claim as an excuse to impose illegal sanctions against Tehran. Iran has categorically rejected the allegation, stressing that as a committed member of the International Atomic Energy Agency and a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty it is entitled to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.