EU reaffirms readiness to resume Iran nuclear talks

Berlin, Oct 23, IRNA -- European Union foreign affairs supremo Catherine Ashton reiterated her readiness to resume talks with Iran over its nuclear program, German press reports said here Friday.

Ashton suggested in a letter addressed to Iran's EU ambassador that the talks could be held in Vienna on November 15.

The EU foreign policy chief is due to head the negotiations with Iran on behalf of 5 plus 1, a group that comprises the United States, Britain, China, France, Russia and Germany.

Tehran had earlier welcomed Ashton's offer to jump-start talks, saying it was 'good news.'

Iran had complained that Ashton was being less committed to the nuclear talks than her predecessor Javier Solana.

The Iranian government has several times said it was ready to resume nuclear talks with the western powers.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has repeatedly said his country would be prepared for talks but stressed that the talks should in the first place recognize Iran's legitimate rights to pursue peaceful nuclear projects, including the uranium enrichment process./end