Top German lawmaker hails Tehran nuclear deal

Berlin, May 19, IRNA -- A senior German legislator of the opposition Social Democratic Party (SPD) welcomed the Tehran nuclear fuel agreement, saying it could pave the way for "new important talks."

Talking to the Deutschland radio station on Wednesday, the foreign policy spokesman of the SPD, Rolf Muetzenich stressed the Tehran agreement could be the chance for further "substantial talks" on Iran's nuclear program.

Iran, Brazil and Turkey agreed on Monday to sign a nuclear fuel swap that would send low-enriched Iranian uranium to Ankara in exchange for enriched reactor fuel.

The head of the German-Iranian Parliamentary Group made clear there was "no alternative" to having talks with Iran in a bid to resolve the nuclear impasse peacefully.

He pointed out that Iran is interested in continuing nuclear talks with the West.

Alluding to US plans to tighten sanctions against Iran, Muetzenich voiced doubts whether new punitive measures could really lead to solving the nuclear dispute, saying this remained "the decisive question."

He stressed Turkey and Brazil should continue to play an active role in diplomatic efforts to end deadlock in the Iranian nuclear case.

Muetzenich urged the West to look closely at the Iranian offer and initiate talks with Brazil and Turkey on the issue. /end