(VOVworld)- Against expectations, Iran and the P5+1 (the UN Security Council’s 5 permanent members plus Germany) made some progress during their 2-day negotiations in Kazakhstan, sparking new hope of resolving a decade-long nuclear deadlock.

At the end of the negotiation, representatives of Iran and the P5+1 group said that the discussions were positive. The two sides agreed to conduct more negotiations on March 17 and 18 in Turkey and on April 5 and 6 in Kazakhstan. The P5+1 group offered to ease sanctions on gold and rare and precious metals as well as lifting an embargo on civilian airplane parts in exchange fore Iran ending part of its nuclear program. The P5+1 group also agreed to remove limitations imposed on Iran’s banking transactions. In exchange, Iran has to stop enriching uranium to 20%, shut down the Fordow nuclear facility factory, and ship out its stockpile of enriched uranium except what is used for health care purposes.

The head of Iran’s nuclear negotiators Saeed Jalili said the West is taking a more practical approach which will be discussed further at the upcoming negotiations and which will be based on confidence-building. Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi expressed optimism about future talks with the P5+1 group calling this moment a turning point. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton expressed her hope a positive response to the offers. According to Ms Ashton, the offers aimed at building trust and promoting dialogue. The West admitted that easing the gold sanction was just a modest step, but would be a welcome relief from the heavy financial sanctions imposed by the US and the EU. Russia and China agreed that the talks were frank, useful and constructive. US Secretary of State John Kerry who is currently touring Europe called the talks positive and said a serious commitment by Iran could lead to a comprehensive, long-term deal. Kerry reiterated that Washington is ready to hold bilateral talks with Tehran.

Though both sides appear positive about the talks, it will be difficult to reach a specific agreement that requires further concessions. One of the conditions for the West lifting its sanctions on Iran is shutting down the Fordow underground facility. But Jalili, who is Secretary of Iran’s Supreme Security Council remains firm about Tehran’s right to develop nuclear programs for peaceful purposes. He insists that the Fordow nuclear facility is now under the supervision of the UN Nuclear Agency, so, there is no reason to shut it down. As to ending uranium enrichment to 20%, Jalili said this issue will be discussed further at the coming talks.

Though the negotiation in Kazakhstan made no breakthrough, its outcomes gave involved parties a hope of positive progresses in the coming talks.

Hong Van