Iran Accuses EU Of Ignoring Request For Early Nuclear Talks

Ali Bagheri

Iran's state TV reports that the European Union has ignored a request by Tehran for preparatory talks ahead of key nuclear negotiations later this month.

The report said Iran's deputy nuclear negotiator, Ali Bagheri, sent two letters requesting talks to Helga Schmid, EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton's representative.

Iran and six world powers are set to meet in Moscow starting June 17. The report says Bagheri sent the letters in late May and on June 4 and that the EU has not answered.

It says he insisted on the need to prepare an agenda for Moscow.

A spokesperson for Ashton told RFE/RL's Radio Farda that Schmid had responded to Bagheri's request on June 4.

The West suspects Iran aims to develop nuclear weapons technology, a charge Tehran denies.

Based on reporting by AP, dpa, and RFE/RL's Radio Farda