Today's Date:

THE MINISTER – No. Negotiations are still possible. But Iran’s response is clearly unsatisfactory; we shall do everything in our power to bring Iran back to a reasoned view: that expressed in the Paris agreement signed in 2004. The European Troika (France, Germany, United Kingdom) is ready for that. We appeal to Iran to return to the negotiating table. Our hand is outstretched. Iran should take it.

THE MINISTER – It serves no purpose to stand firm on positions that lead nowhere. The only solution is by way of agreement reached through consultation and dialogue. Until the last moment – this is the position of Paris, London and Berlin – we shall continue to keep the door open. This is the message the governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency should send to the Iranians.

THE MINISTER – That option is not the one we favour. In any case, it’s for the Board of Governors to take the decision. The Iranians should trust the European Union. The issue today is about keeping one’s word. We put political proposals to them, ambitious and generous proposals, they should study them in detail. They are positive in the commercial, economic and political spheres. Our desire is to open a new page in international relations with Iran.

THE MINISTER – The European Union is an institution devoted to peace. We are working to avoid escalation. To avoid any radicalization, on either side./.