TEHRAN, Iran — The former head of the United Nations urged Iran Monday to build on a historic deal reached with world powers in November and work toward a final settlement over its contested nuclear program.
Kofi Annan, who is heading a group of ex-world leaders known as “The Elders,” made the comments after a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif Monday.
“We believe that there have been a number of recent positive developments, most important the interim nuclear agreement signed in Geneva last November. These efforts now need to be sustained to achieve final agreement,” Annan told reporters in Tehran.
Iran halted 20 percent enrichment and started neutralizing its stockpile of 20 percent enriched uranium on Jan. 20 to fullfil its commitments under the six-month accord. The United States and the European Union lifted some sanctions in response to the Iranian moves.
Iran and the six-nation group are expected to start talks for a comprehensive, permanent deal next month in New York, Iran’s state TV reported Monday.