EU calls on Iran to engage in constructive dialogue

EU High Representative Catherine Ashton Thursday reaffirmed the EU's determination and commitment to seek a diplomatic solution to Iran's nuclear issue. "We remain determined and united in our efforts to work towards a comprehensive, negotiated, long-term solution involving the full implementation by Iran of UNSC and IAEA Board of Governors Resolutions," she said in a statement after a meeting with the Political Directors of China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States last night. She noted that over the past year, they have made concrete and practical proposals for initial confidence-building measures to Iran. "We deeply regret that Iran has failed to respond in kind. "We noted with grave concern Iran's installation of centrifuges in its facility near Qom as part of plans to increase the capacity to enrich uranium to near 20 percent and the IAEA's increasing concern about the possible military dimensions to Iran's nuclear programme," said Ashton. The EU's foreign policy chief stressed, "we are ready to engage with Iran in a constructive dialogue on the basis of reciprocity and a step-by-step approach and we look to Iran to make clear that it is prepared to engage in the same spirit, in particular by demonstrating willingness to address the international community's concerns about its nuclear programme, without preconditions," said the EU foreign policy chief.