Iran Nuclear Talks Collapse

Tehran refuses to talk without lifting sanctions, wants to continue nuke program
By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 22, 2011 6:42 AM CST
Iran Nuclear Talks Collapse
William Burns, Assistant US Secretary for East Asia, center, arrives for talks on Iran's nuclear program at the historical Ciragan Palace in Istanbul, Turkey, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011.   (Salih Zeki Fazlioglu)

A mere day after talks began between Iran and six world powers, they have collapsed over Iran's insistence that the UN lift sanctions and that it be allowed to continue its nuclear program, reports the AP. "We had hoped to have a detailed and constructive discussion," says a top EU envoy. "But it became clear that the Iranian side was not ready for this unless we agree to preconditions (which) are not the way to proceed." No date for new talks has been set.

"The process can go forward if Iran chooses to respond positively," she said. "We will now wait to see whether they do." (More Iran nuclear facilities stories.)

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