European official: Vienna talks can bring JCPOA back to full delivery

Peter STANO, Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy adds that we –as the European Union and the Coordinator of the JCPOA- never comment in public the ongoing processes, especially not diplomatic talks and negotiations. He believes "the process continues and all efforts are focused on achieving a result as soon as it gets."

You can read the full interview of European Commission spokesperson for foreign affairs issues Peter Stano with ILNA news agency as follow:

Q: A few months after the formation of the new government in Iran, the stalled talks on Iran's nuclear program resumed. What do you think is the main obstacle to reviving this agreement?

A: The talks aimed at reviving the nuclear accord are ongoing and the High Representative of the EU as the Coordinator of the JCPOA does his best with his team to advance the talks so that they can conclude successfully and bring the JCPOA back to full delivery with everyone fully respecting the commitments stemming from this agreement.

Q: Iran has repeatedly stated that it has participated in the negotiations in a flexible and pragmatic manner, but never accepts threats and bullying. How will the Israeli-American threat affect the process of the Vienna talks?

A: The European Union as the Coordinator of the JCPOA is focused on doing its best to fulfill its role and advance the ongoing talks to a successful conclusion. JCPOA is an important international agreement that has implications on regional stability and security and it is in the interest of everyone to go back to the full delivery of this agreement.

Q: In the negotiation process, we see that some contradictory statements are made by all parties, including Europe, the United States, Iran, Russia and China, so the content of the negotiations is completely vague. Why do the diplomats present at Vienna talks have such different reaction?

A: We –as the European Union and the Coordinator of the JCPOA- never comment in public the ongoing processes, especially not diplomatic talks and negotiations. The nature of diplomacy is that it works discreetly and this is what we continue doing. We also do not comment comments by individual participants. We are focused on delivering the necessary results in a diplomatic process.

Q: It has been reported in some media that Britain, France and Germany are seeking to improving their interest and pursuing for undermine Iran's Interests which has also been disputed by the United States. What factors has created this gap?

A: It is not our role to comment various speculations circulated in the media.

Q: Some officials, however, speak of an interim agreement. Is it possible all parties to finally accept an interim agreement?

A: The aim of the talks in Vienna is to bring the JCPOA back to its full delivery and respect of the related commitments by all participants.

Q: In your opinion, what is the difference between the previous negotiating team of Iran and the current team? How do you evaluate the behavior and suggestions of the current team of the Islamic Republic of Iran? It is said that Iran's proposal has been accepted as the basis of the talks and has been included in the text.

A: It is not our role and our habit to give public comments on the behaviour, composition or actions by negotiating teams from participating countries. They all are signatories of the JCPOA and we all work together towards bringing this agreement back to its full delivery. We also do not comment individual stages, proposals or discussions happening within this process. The nature of diplomatic negotiations is discreet; it is not a football match with a running public commentary on every single move.

Q: Is there a clear basis for future talks? How long do you think it will take to reach an agreement?

A: In any case, the time is not on our side and it is quite urgent to arrive to a solution soon. However we as Coordinator are doing our best to move forward although in the end the progress depends on the readiness and willingness of the participating parties to agree on the final results. We continue our best efforts to advance these discussions.

Q: Some argue that the indirect dialogue between Iran and the United States has damaged the substance of the negotiations, and in some cases the presence of mediators has led to erroneous transmission of concepts and escalation of differences between the parties. How effective do you think a direct meeting between Iran and the United States can be in reviving JCPOA more quickly?

A: Our role is not to comment on various comments, speculations, remarks or scenarios. Our role is to continue our efforts as Coordinator of the JCPOA to bring this agreement back to its full delivery.

Q: Unfortunately, at the same time with the start of the negotiations, we are witnessing the imposition of some new sanctions against Iran. What destructive effect will this issue have on the negotiation process?

A: We never speculate on “what if” scenarios and are focusing on the main objective, which is bringing the JCPO back to its full delivery.

Q: Why did Europe refuse to fulfill its obligations under the nuclear deal, especially economic commitments, after Trump's departure from the JCPOA?

A: The European Union is fulfilling all its commitments stemming from the JCPOA.

Q: IF the talks fail, the region will see increased problems and insecurity, and the Iranian people will suffer from inhumane sanctions. What is the European initiative to reach an agreement that will increase peace and security in the region and prevent further suffering of the Iranian people?

A: We do not speculate on “what if” scenarios. Instead, we continue our efforts as Coordinator of the JCPOA to bring this agreement back to its full delivery, exactly in order to prevent situations like the one you describe in your question.

Q: Iran has adjusted its demands in the nuclear field, but it seems that there is no flexibility on the part of the other side in the field of sanctions.

A: The aim of the current efforts is to bring the US back to the JCPOA, achieve the lifting of the US sanctions and ensure that Iran goes back to full respect of all the commitments stemming from the JCPOA.

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