Negotiators from six world powers are attempting to strike a deal
with Iran to restrict its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions
relief.
The parties have set a deadline of the end of March to reach an agreement.
But some of the most contentious issues remain unresolved, says the BBC's Barbara Plett Usher.
"These
are decisive days before us after nearly 12 years of negotiations with
Iran," said Mr Steinmeier, as he arrived in the Swiss city of Lausanne
for the talks.
"The endgame of the long negotiations has begun."
His French counterpart, Laurent Fabius, said: "We have made progress on some issues, but on some others we haven't made enough."
US
Secretary of State John Kerry has already met Iranian Foreign Minister
Mohammad Javad in Lausanne. Britain, China and Russia are expected to
join them over the weekend, with comprehensive talks due Sunday.
They have set themselves a deadlines of 31 March for a political framework agreement and 30 June for a final deal.
Iran insists its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes but world powers fear it has military ambitions.
Sticking
points in the nuclear talks are thought to include the pace at which
sanctions would be lifted, how long the deal will last and how much of
Iran's nuclear facilities will be open to inspection.
No comments:
Post a Comment