EU calls on Tehran to quickly enter negotiations

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union’s foreign policy chief called on Iran’s new president to schedule “meaningful talks” on the nuclear issue as soon as possible.

Spokesman Michael Mann said Tuesday the EU’s Catherine Ashton congratulated Iran’s newly sworn-in President Hasan Rouhani and urged him to use his strong mandate “to seek a swift resolution to (the international community’s) serious concerns about Iran’s nuclear activities.”

The West fears Iran’s nuclear program aims at developing atomic weapons, while Tehran insists it serves only peaceful purposes.

Ashton said she and the group of nations negotiating with Iran — the five permanent UN Security Council nations plus Germany — “stand ready to continue talks to find a resolution as quickly as possible.”

Four rounds of talks since last year have failed to make significant headway.

Also Tuesday, Rouhani said he determined to resolve the dispute over his country’s nuclear program “through talks, not threats.” In a news conference he reiterated his stance that the concerns of both sides could be eased if they sat down to talk with respect, as equals.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.