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Iran says nuclear talks a 'good signal'

18/07/2008

Iranian foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki has said today that talks regarding the country's nuclear programme due to start tomorrow are a positive step and signal good developments ahead.

"The new negotiation process is positive and the procedure is good. It signals good developments for the future. I hope this goodness in the process is also reflected in the content," Mr Mottaki said in Ankara after talks with Turkish foreign minister Ali Babacan.

"We hope good results will come out if the process continues like that," he added.

He also said Iran was open to the idea of talks with the US on opening a US interests section in Iran and a direct air link.

"In my opinion, talks and a deal on an American bureau in Iran and direct flights between Iran and the United States is possible," he said.

US undersecretary of state for political affairs William Burns is expected to attend the talks in Geneva starting on Saturday, the first time the US has had a presence at the talks.

"The new negotiation process, the participation of US diplomat looks positive from the outset but we hope that is reflected in the talks," Mr Mottaki concluded.