Skip to main content
Media Releases

The Elders hail progress in Iran nuclear talks


Share this:

Kofi Annan calls for swift progress and an early resolution of the crisis Ahead of the next round of talks on the Iranian nuclear programme, The Elders urge all parties to seize this historic opportunity to move towards a deal.

Meeting in Cape Town, The Elders today hailed the positive steps taken in recent weeks on the Iranian nuclear crisis. The new-found flexibility and seriousness being shown by all sides in tackling the dispute was a source of particular satisfaction.

Looking ahead to the next round of talks in Geneva between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries in November, as well as a planned visit to Iran by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), The Elders called on all parties to maintain the same constructive and determined spirit – with a view to an early resolution of all issues.

Kofi Annan, Chair of The Elders and former UN Secretary-General said:

“A comprehensive approach is essential, to get to the core of the legitimate concerns that, for many years now, have made this issue one of the most worrisome on the global agenda. All nations have rights and responsibilities in equal measure. You cannot have one without the other.

“This is an historic opportunity that should not be dropped. If the international community can get this right, the possibility of transforming the negative dynamics plaguing the Middle East for the better is the great prize to be won.”

Recognising the potential opposition to a deal that leaders in both the United States and Iran face, The Elders praised the courage being shown by both the Obama Administration and the new Iranian Government headed by President Hassan Rouhani.

Media inquiries: [email protected]

Share this article

Keep up to date with The Elders’ COVID-19 digest:

Sign up to receive regular updates about The Elders’ activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will never share your email address with third parties.

Keep up to date with The Elders latest News and Insight:

Sign up to receive monthly newsletters from The Elders. We will occasionally send you other special updates and news, but we'll never share your email address with third parties.

Close

I would like to find:

Search
Close