Madrid, June 1, IRNA - Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani and EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said they had made progress in their Thursday evening negotiations in Mardrid on nuclear issue.

Speaking to reporters after the talks, Solana said, "We had intensive discussions so that we could prepare the ground for formal talks. We made some progress on certain issues, including Iran's problems with International Atomic Energy Organization,(IAEO)." He said he would have another meeting with Larijani within the next two weeks.

Larijani, for his part, said the negotiations, which lasted almost five hours, were 'very serious, and 'transparent' adding,"Mr. Solana and I brough up good ideas which we will work more on them later." "Our deputies will work on the issue and I will continue my talks with Mr. Solana about two weeks later."

"We also discussed some remaining issues on Iran's interactions with IAEO which are importants issues and show sort of progress in the talks," Larijani said.

Concerning the West's precondition on suspending uranium enrichment by Iran, Larijani said,"We have passed this stage." Criticizing the media, Iran's chief negotiator said, "I wonder why you (media people) are more interested in suspension than the politician. The issue has currently turned into a media game. We have quit it. Why don't you leave it alone?"

Iranian delegation led by Ali Larijani arrived in Madrid Wednesday and discussed nuclear issue with Solana Thursday. Larijani is scheduled to meet Spain's Prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez and Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos on Saturday.

... Payvand News - 6/1/07 ... --