Iran: West trying to influence Baghdad talks

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said the remarks of some western officials ahead of talks with the 5+1 in Baghdad are just attempts on their parts to overshadow the negotiations. During his weekly press briefing relayed by IRNA on Tuesday, he said the remarks of the US and EU officials who have demanded Iran to take practical measures in line with confidence-building process prior to the Baghdad talks only serve the purpose of influencing the process of the talks. He said all principle issues will be discussed in talks between Tehran and 5+1 in Baghdad and stressed that the Iranian nation will never withdraw from its rights during the talks. He said remarks made by certain people could never affect the attitude of Iranian nation. He also noted that talks between the Iranian envoys and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to take place in Vienna on May 13-14 will concentrate on mutual relations and setting a framework for bilateral cooperation. Noting that Iran has proved the highest level of cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, Mehmanparast added that ground should be prepared for Iran to maintain its right for peaceful use of nuclear energy. He also said the outcome of talks with the IAEA will affect the upcoming talks with the 5+1 in Baghdad.