Negotiations resume with sanctions in the spotlight

Differences between Washington and Teheran over framework threaten comprehensive accord

The timing and scope of sanctions relief are among crucial sticking points as Iran and the six major world powers resumed talks in Vienna, Austria, on a nuclear agreement by June 30 aimed at curbing Teheran's nuclear activities.

The sides on Wednesday began negotiating the last phases of a deal that would lift sanctions on Iran if it agrees to long-term curbs on its nuclear program. This point would not have been reached without compromises by both Washington and Teheran.

For Iran, that has meant climbing down from positions it initially described as not negotiable. That strategy of tough talk first and concessions later could be revived as negotiators work toward a June deadline.

For now, the Iranians are insisting on immediate sanctions relief while rejecting US demands for deeply intrusive monitoring to make sure Teheran adheres to its obligations.

Both demands go against commitments that Washington says Teheran has already made in the framework deal agreed to earlier this month - and both are potential deal breakers for a comprehensive accord. But that doesn't seem to impress the Iranians.

"Lifting sanctions will be one of the main topics in this round of talks. If the other party shows political goodwill, we can reach a final agreement," Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told Iranian state TV on Wednesday.

Iran insists it will only accept a final deal if world powers simultaneously lift all sanctions.

The United States has said sanctions on Iran would have to be phased out gradually under the final pact.

Iran and the powers are trying to end more than 12 years of diplomatic wrangling over the country's disputed nuclear program, which Teheran says is peaceful but Western powers fear is aimed at developing an atomic bomb.

US President Barack Obama was forced to give Congress a say in any future accord - including the right of lawmakers to veto the lifting of sanctions.

Araqchi said on Wednesday that the US administration was "responsible to ensure that its commitments, particularly sanctions-related ones, are fulfilled".

Reuters - AP

(China Daily 04/23/2015 page11)