The European Union says its foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, willmeet with Iran's nuclear negotiator on October 1. The EU is describing themeeting, which will include representatives of six other world powers,as a first step in finding a diplomatic solution to the standoff overIran's nuclear program.
The meeting would be the firstin a year between Iran and what is called the P5 + 1: Britain, Russia,China, France, Germany, and the United States. Representatives ofthese countries are expected to attend the talks beginning October 1between EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and Iranian nuclearnegotiator Saeed Jalili.
Mr. Solana has been representing the six powers in talks with Iran.
Theannouncement comes as western nations appear to be edging in favor oftougher U.N. sanctions against Iran if a diplomatic solution is notfound regarding its nuclear program. Iran says its nuclear activitiesare for peaceful purposes, but the United States and European nationsin particular fear Iran wants to build a nuclear bomb.
In aspeech in Vienna, outgoing chief of the International Atomic EnergyAgency Mohammed ElBaradei urged Iran to respond to outstandingquestions about its nuclear program and take up Washington's offer of adialogue.
"Addressing the concernof the international community about Iran's future intentions isprimarily a matter of confidence building, which can only be achievedthrough dialogue. I therefore very much welcome the offer of theUnited States to initiate a dialogue with Iran without precondition andon the basis of mutual respect. It is my hope that such a dialoguewill begin as early as possible," ElBaradei said.
ButIran's nuclear head Ali Akhbar Salehi maintained a tough stance in hisown remarks to IAEA members. He said Iran must defend itself fromattacks on its nuclear facilities.