Iran determined to reach n-accord, 'but not at any cost'

Iran is determined to reach an agreement with world powers in the ongoing nuclear talks, "but not at any cost", Iran's foreign ministry spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham said Wednesday, explaining that Iran will not cross redlines over its nuclear rights.

In the talks underway, "there has been some progress, but it has been slow", Afkham said, adding that "we hope the other party will make reasonable decisions by being realistic about Iran's peaceful nuclear programme".

Iran hoped the world powers would make difficult decisions which they were talking about, Xinhua reported citing Afkham.

The talks continued seriously and "we expect to reach a durable, logical and fair agreement" before July 20, she said.

The Iranian official rejected any threat against Iran over its nuclear issue, saying that "the subject of threat is pointless for us since there is no ground for such measures" against Tehran.

Also, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Tuesday that Tehran would never strike a deal with the six world powers which ignores or undermines Iran's rights.

"We do not accept to reach a solution at all costs as we insist on our rights," he said, adding that Iran was "trying to find an acceptable, logical and long-term solution".

"I hope the other side will be ready to see the realities, take our word seriously and accept that the Iranian nation has never withdrawn under pressure," he was quoted as saying by semi-official Fars news agency.

Iran and the P5+1 group - five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany - started a new round of talks in Vienna Wednesday to find a solution to Tehran's nuclear programme.

--Indo-Aian News Service

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