Iran to further clarify civilian use of n-plan to west

Iran is likely to further clarify civilian use of nuclear plan in talks with western powers, as the country's Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif said Sunday that Tehran does not expect a comprehensive accord with the world powers in the upcoming nuclear talks.

"For sure, this round of talks with the P5+1 group is more serious than the previous talks, but we do not expect an agreement, " Xinhua quoted Zarif as saying following a meet with visiting Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei.

He said in the new round of talks in Vienna Monday and Tuesday "we will discuss peaceful dimensions of Iran's nuclear program, including uranium enrichment and Arak heavy water facility".

He reiterated that Iran will not stop any part of its nuclear programme, saying that "Iran's nuclear programme is a reality and this reality will not change".

"We are ready to build confidence that our nuclear programme will remain peaceful."

The West has urged Iran to take further steps beyond the commitments under the interim nuclear deal to prove its nuclear activities are for civilian use.

On Sunday, Iranian lawmakers issued a statement which asked the country's nuclear negotiators to avoid discussions over Iran's defense issues, including the country's missile program, in the talks with powers. They also warned against further "restrictions" on the nuclear programme of the Islamic republic.