Latest round of negotiations between P5+1 and Iran indicate deal still on track, despite remaining o

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The third round of talks between Iran and the P5+1 - the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and Germany - since the interim nuclear programme agreement came into effect in January, concluded on 9 April.

Speaking in Vienna, Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif stated that both sides were now in agreement on "50-60 %" of issues. However, any of the remaining 40% could derail the talks.

http://www.janes.com/article/36600/latest-round-of-negotiations-between-p5-1-and-iran-indicate-deal-still-on-track-despite-remaining-obstacles

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1. Iran proposes Arak reactor change to cut plutonium output

VIENNA - Iran has made a proposal that would significantly lower plutonium production at a planned reactor, a senior Iranian official was quoted as saying, signalling flexibility on a key issue in talks to end the nuclear dispute with world powers.

The comment by Ali Akbar Salehi, head of Iran’s atomic energy organisation, was the latest sign that a compromise may be possible over the Arak research reactor, which the West fears could yield weapons-usable material. Iran denies any such aim.

The fate of the heavy-water plant, which has not yet been completed, is one of the central issues in negotiations between Iran and six major powers aimed at reaching a long-term deal on Tehran’s nuclear programme by an agreed July 20 deadline.

Iran and the United States, France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China on Wednesday ended their last round of negotiation in Vienna and said they would start drafting an agreement at their next meeting there on May 13. But officials said significant gaps needed to be bridged.

http://www.nation.com.pk/international/11-Apr-2014/iran-proposes-arak-reactor-change-to-cut-plutonium-output