US asks Iran to include missile programme in nuclear talks

The US today said Iran must deal with matters related to its ballistic missiles before a comprehensive resolution can be reached on its controversial nuclear programme.
"They have to deal with matters related to their ballistic missile programme that are included in the United Nations Security Council resolution that is part of explicitly, according to the Joint Plan of Action, the comprehensive resolution negotiation," said White House spokesman Jay Carney.
"I want to be very clear, per the Joint Plan of Action agreed to by Iran, Iran must address UN Security Council resolutions related to its nuclear programme before a comprehensive resolution can be reached," Carney told reporters at his daily news conference.

The US and its allies view Iran's missiles as part of the country's potential nuclear threat, thus a subject for the talks on a permanent nuclear agreement with Tehran.
But Iran says the missiles are part of its defence establishment and beyond the limits of nuclear talks.
"The UN Security Council Resolution 1929, passed in 2010, prohibits Iran from undertaking any activity related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using ballistic missile technology. So that is explicitly agreed by Iran in the Joint Plan of Action," Carney said adding that applies to all of the United Nations Security Council resolutions in this area.

Carney's remarks came as six world powers and Iran resumed talks in Geneva in pursuit of a final settlement on Tehran's contested nuclear programme.

This session was chaired by the European Union Deputy Secretary General for the External Action Service Helga Scmidt and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas.
"This afternoon, the US and Iranian delegations held a bilateral meeting at the Palais Coburg. The meeting lasted for an hour and 20 minutes. The conversation was productive and focused mainly on how the comprehensive talks will proceed from here," a senior State Department official said.
Iran in November agreed to curb some of its nuclear activities in return for about USD 7 billion in sanctions relief.