vienna

Progress already visible in Vienna talks: Russian envoy


Tehran (ISNA) - Intensive informal consultations are under way in Vienna within the framework of talks to restore the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), said Russia’s Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov, who heads the Russian delegation at the talks.

"The eighth round of Vienna talks continues. Intensive informal consultations in various formats are under way. The work to lift US sanctions on Iran, on nuclear issues and sequence of steps to restore JCPOA continues," he said.

When asked whether any progress has been made, the head of the Russian delegation replied that it is already visible. "The main stumbling blocks are becoming clearer," he added.

On January 4, the Russian diplomat held separate working meetings in Vienna. He met with Iran’s chief negotiator, Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani to discuss the main issues that are yet to be settled in the course of the negotiations. Ulyanov also discussed the current situation and possible further steps with European Union coordinator Enrique Mora.