Iran vows 'new initiatives' in talks with West

[April 12, 2012]  Istanbul, Turkey (AP) -- Iran's top nuclear negotiator says his country will offer "new initiatives" in talks this weekend with world powers.

The remarks by Saeed Jalili come ahead of the Saturday talks over Tehran's controversial nuclear program with six countries, including the United States and five other world powers in Istanbul. It is the first time the two sides have held such talks in more than 14 months.

Jalili was quoted by Iranian state media as saying he will bring "new initiatives" and that Iran is ready to hold "successful and progressive talks on cooperation." He did not elaborate.

The Iranian delegation will arrive Friday in Istanbul.

The West suspects that Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapon program, a charge that Tehran denies.

[Associated Press]

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