Germany, France and Britain ready to hold talks with Iran, says German foreign minister
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German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said a key prerequisite for peace is that Iran no longer poses a threat to the region, Israel or Europe.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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BERLIN – Germany, France and Britain are ready to hold immediate talks with Iran over Tehran’s nuclear programme in an effort to de-escalate the situation in the Middle East, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said.
On a visit to the Middle East, he added that he is trying to contribute towards a de-escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran, noting that Tehran previously failed to take the opportunity of constructive talks.
“I hope that’s still possible,” Mr Wadephul told German public broadcaster ARD on June 14.
“Germany together with France and Britain are ready. We’re offering Iran immediate negotiations about the nuclear programme, I hope (the offer) is accepted.
“This is also a key prerequisite for reaching a pacification of this conflict, that Iran presents no danger to the region, for the state of Israel or to Europe.”
Mr Wadephul, who is in Oman on June 15, said the conflict would be ended only when influence is exerted on Iran and Israel from all sides.
“There’s a shared expectation that within the next week, a serious attempt must be made on both sides to interrupt the spiral of violence,” he noted.
When asked whether he believes the Iranian government could fall, Mr Wadephul said his assumption is that it is not Israel’s intention to bring down the administration in Tehran.
Turning to Gaza, he added that the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave is unacceptable, and urged Israel to allow unrestricted access to aid organisations.
“The hunger, the dying, the suffering of the people in Gaza
