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             Kerry: Republican Letter to Iran 'Without Precedence'

   by VOA News

   U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says the open letter that 47 U.S.
   Republican senators sent to Iranian leaders about its disputed nuclear
   program is "completely without precedence."

   Kerry, speaking Saturday in Sharm el-Sheikh at Egypt's investment
   conference, said "let me make it clear" that the letter was "incorrect"
   in the powers the lawmakers stated they have.

   The letter warns Iran that the next U.S. president could revoke a
   nuclear deal with Iran at any time, and that Congress also could make
   changes to the deal.

   Kerry said with the deadline for the nuclear deal with Iran
   approaching, it is unclear whether the Republican letter will affect
   the talks with Iran.

   The top U.S. diplomat said the negotiations with Iran will continue and
   that despite some progress, important gaps remain. Kerry said the
   purpose of the talks about the nuclear deal with Iran is "not just to
   get any deal, it is to get the right deal."

   Kerry said earlier this week Congress does not have the right to modify
   an agreement reached between leaders of countries. He has called the
   Republican letter irresponsible.

   The United States and its partners - Britain, China, France, Germany,
   and Russia - have an end-of-March deadline to reach a framework deal
   for Iran to cut back on its uranium enrichment program in exchange for
   lifting sanctions that have destroyed its economy.

   Republican opponents of the deal say Iran cannot be trusted.

   Iran insists it has no plans to build nuclear weapons and that its
   nuclear program is strictly for civilian uses.
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   ut-precedence/2679943.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/kerry-republican-letter-to-iran-without-precedence/2679943.html