Iran optimistic on settlement of nuclear issue

Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said on Wednesday that he is very optimistic about the settlement of Iran’s nuclear issue but it might be time consuming. Speaking to reporters after his speech at the 12th Iran-Kazakhstan Joint Economic Commission meeting, he said Iran’s nuclear talks are now going ahead but all should exercise patience. The two parties are now paving the right path but the process of talks might occasionally slow down and then gain momentum, he said. The two sides believe that the talks should be based on a win-win policy, Salehi said. In the upcoming expert-level nuclear talks between the two sides in Istanbul, they will study a road map, continued talks and a number of technical and strategic issues, Iran's news agency (IRNA) quoted him as saying. Referring to his talks with the Kazakh president and transportation minister, he said Kazakhstan has voiced readiness to host next round of talks between Iran and G5+1. Iran welcomes Kazakhstan's proposal to host the international event, he said. In his meeting with Kazakh president, the two sides discussed expansion of mutual relations and cooperation, regional and international developments particularly the issue of Syria and Iran’s nuclear issue. The Islamic Republic of Iran lauds Kazakhstan's supports for Iran’s peaceful nuclear program, Salehi said. He expressed the hope that talks between Tehran and Astana would lead to positive results in connection with the crisis in Syria.