17/10/2013 10:19
Iran nuclear checks most detailed ever - Ashton
World powers and Iran have had "their most detailed talks ever" on Iran's nuclear programme, the EU's top foreign policy official Catherine Ashton says, according to the BBC.
The two sides have held two days of discussions in Geneva. Further talks will take place on 7 and 8 November.
Baroness Ashton and Iranian FM Mohammad Javad Zarif called the talks "substantive and forward-looking."
International negotiators were carefully considering an Iranian proposal, a joint statement said.
The discussions in Geneva brought together Iranian officials and representatives of the "P5+1" - the permanent members of the UN Security Council (Britain, China, France, Russia and the US) plus Germany - also known as the E3+3.
"The participants also agreed that E3+3 and Iranian nuclear, scientific and sanctions experts will convene before the next meeting to address differences and to develop practical steps," the statement went on.
At a news conference afterwards, Mr Zarif said he hoped the talks would lead to the "beginning of a new phase in our relations" and would help resolve "an unnecessary crisis."
He said that he expected international negotiators would need time to "digest and respond to" Iran's proposal.