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March 23, 2015

Iran Nuclear Talks Approach Final Week; Tehran Demands Immediate End to Sanctions 
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Talks over a nuclear deal with Iran are approaching their final week
before an end-of-the-month deadline. Both sides have reported progress,
but differences remain over the timeline for ending U.N. sanctions and
the expansiveness of international inspections. Speaking ahead of a
meeting with European counterparts in London, Secretary of State John
Kerry said after substantial progress, tough decisions will be made in
the days ahead.

Secretary of State John Kerry: "We have not yet reached the finish line.
But make no mistake, we have the opportunity to try to get this right.
It's a matter of political will and tough decision making. It's a matter
of choices, and we must all choose wisely in the days ahead. Over the
past months, the P5+1 have made substantial progress towards that
fundamental goal, though important gaps remain."

Iran has demanded an immediate end to all United Nations sanctions that
have crippled its economy and health sector. In a public address, Iran's
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said an end to the sanctions is
non-negotiable. Iranian negotiators have also reportedly rejected U.S.
demands for inspections of any potential nuclear site, including Iranian
military bases. If a framework deal is reached in the next week, the
talks would continue for a final agreement by June.

 

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