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Iran's top nuclear negotiator says will meet EU Foreign Policy Chief on Saturday

Iran Materials 8 September 2006 13:35 (UTC +04:00)

(IRNA) - Iran's top nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani said here Thursday that he will meet the EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana on Saturday.

"We are in contact with Mr. Solana to set the time and place for the talks," Larijani told reporters, while declining to confirm Vienna, Austria, as venue of the talks, reports Trend.

Larijani arrived in Madrid on Thursday and discussed regional developments and Iran's nuclear issue in separate meetings with Spanish prime minister and foreign minister.

He said that he and the Spanish officials in the meetings conferred on talks with Solana, stressing the need for constructive and prompt talks.

He thanked Solana and the UN Chief Kofi Annan for their efforts to solve Iran's nuclear problem through negotiations and diplomacy.

"I consider the roles of Mr. Annan and Mr. Solana in the case as effective, believing that under present circumstances, serious talks should be held (in order for) settlement of the nuclear problem." Larijani reiterated Iran's readiness for dialogue on the issue.

"Since forwarding the response to the P5+1 package of proposals, we have been insisting our readiness for serious talks."

Iran had on August 23 provided European Union with its response to the package.

The media had already announced Solana-Larijani meeting will take place in Vienna but it was postponed until Saturday.

Larijani went on to say that he will leave Madrid for Rome, Italy, on Friday to hold talks with the Italian officials.

Italian Ansa had already reported that Larijani will visit the south European state late Thursday.

Based on the report, Larijani will hold talks with Italian prime minister on regional developments and issues of mutual interest, including Iran's peaceful nuclear program.

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