December 18, 2013 12:23 AM
By David Ignatius
The Daily Star
STORY SUMMARY
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that despite hitting a “snag” in nuclear negotiations last week, Iran was committed “100 percent” to reaching a comprehensive final agreement.
Iranian concern was eased, Zarif said, after his contacts last week with Secretary of State John Kerry, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and the chief EU negotiator, Lady Catherine Ashton.
Dressed in a diplomat’s blue pinstripe suit and speaking fluent, U.S.-educated English, Zarif presented Iran’s case on nuclear and regional issues.
Zarif, seen by critics as the leader of Iran’s “charm offensive,” has become the most visible international face of a regime seeking a deal that would end punishing economic sanctions.
On enrichment, for example, Zarif insisted that Iran could continue its domestic program with some limits and greater transparency.
Zarif said he didn’t want to negotiate in public, and he argued that acceptable compromises could be found on such issues.
Zarif acknowledged his recent public dispute with Maj.
(The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: http://www.dailystar.com.lb)