Amid talks over Iran’s nuclear program in Paris Saturday the U.S. and France sought to downplay any disagreements.
John Kerry with French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius
On Friday, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius had said Iran’s commitments didn’t go far enough and that more work needed to be done.
But U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry insists the two countries are “on the same page”.
UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF STATE, JOHN KERRY, SAYS:
“If we didn’t think there was further to go, as Laurent said, we’d have had an agreement already. The reason we don’t have an agreement is we believe there are gaps that have to be closed, there are things that have to be done to further strengthen this; we know this.”
The goal of the talks is to persuade Iran to restrain its nuclear program.
In exchange, Iran would get limited relief from sanctions that have crippled its economy.
EU’s foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, says the next two weeks will be crucial.
EU FOREIGN POLICY CHIEF, FEDERICA MOGHERINI, SAYS:
“In the coming few days, there will be intense work from all sides to bridge the gaps that are still remaining and to make sure that this historic opportunity is not missed.”
The current nuclear talks aim to cement some form of understanding by the end of March — before a final deal in June.
(Ventuno)