The United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany held informal
consultations yesterday on how to deal with Iran in the nuclear standoff.
During the 20-minute meeting, the six nations made no decision on a draft
resolution demanding Tehran suspend its controversial uranium enrichment
activities.
The major powers are expected to continue their informal talks on the same
topic Wednesday, according to a UN source.
The United States and some of its allies accuse Iran of working on highly
enriched uranium and plutonium which are essential materials for making nuclear
weapons. Tehran has insisted on its right to develop a peaceful nuclear program
aimed at generating electricity only.
On June 6, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana presented Iran with a
package of proposals agreed on by the six powers which includes both incentives
aimed at persuading Iran to suspend uranium enrichment and possible sanctions if
Iran does not comply.
Western countries had pressed Tehran to respond to the package before July
15, but Iran said that would not happen before Aug. 22.
The six countries agreed on July 12 to return Iran's nuclear issue to the UN
Security Council.
Iran said the package of incentives was an "acceptable basis" for talks, and
invited the world powers to enter detailed negotiations over its disputed
nuclear program.