{"id":83930,"date":"2013-10-17T19:56:00","date_gmt":"2013-10-17T18:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/rinf.com\/alt-news\/?guid=09edf71eb7be7d7ccdcd9ba106d9e39d"},"modified":"2013-10-17T19:56:00","modified_gmt":"2013-10-17T18:56:00","slug":"iranian-nuclear-talks-hold-the-cheers-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/rinf.com\/alt-news\/editorials\/iranian-nuclear-talks-hold-the-cheers-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Iranian Nuclear Talks: Hold the Cheers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\"><b>Iranian Nuclear Talks: Hold the Cheers<\/b><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">by Stephen Lendman<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">Old time US radio hero Lamont Cranston (aka the Shadow) used to ask &#8220;Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">Perhaps he had US policymakers in mind. Duplicity defines their agenda.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">For nearly 35 years, Iran has wrongfully been vilified. It remains America&#8217;s main Middle East bete noire. Just concluded nuclear talks changed nothing. More on that below.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">Following two days of talks in Geneva, P5+1 countries and Iran called them positive.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">A <a href=\"http:\/\/graphics8.nytimes.com\/packages\/pdf\/world\/2012\/131016_04_en.pdf\"><span style=\"color: #1255cc;\">joint statement <\/span><\/a>said the following:<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">&#8220;Delegations of the E3+3 (Britain, France and Germany + America, China and Russia) and the Islamic Republic of Iran held two days of substantive and forward looking negotiations (on) 15 and 16 October 2013.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">&#8220;Building on the positive atmosphere of the first ministerial meeting held in New York on 26 September, (Iran&#8217;s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif) presented an outline of a plan as a proposed basis for negotiation, which is being carefully considered by the E3+3 as an important contribution.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">&#8220;It was decided to convene the next meeting in Geneva on November 7 and 8.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">&#8220;The participants also agreed that E3+3 and Iranian nuclear, scientific and sanctions experts will convene before the next meeting to address differences and to develop practical steps.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">An unnamed <a href=\"http:\/\/www.state.gov\/r\/pa\/prs\/ps\/2013\/10\/215557.htm\"><span style=\"color: #1255cc;\">State Department<\/span><\/a> official said:<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">&#8220;Over the past two days, we&#8217;ve had serious and substantive discussions with our P5 counterparts and with Iran.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">&#8220;We had detailed technical discussions at a level we have not had before.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">&#8220;And we discussed concrete steps and actions that are necessary for Iran to address the international community&#8217;s concerns about its nuclear program.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">&#8220;Although there remain many differences in each area and in what sanctions relief might be appropriate, specific and candid discussions took place.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">&#8220;There is more work &#8211; much more work &#8211; to do, as we knew there would be.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">&#8220;We have always said that there would be no agreement overnight, and we&#8217;ve been clear that this process is going to take some time.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">&#8220;The issues are complex, very technical, and require sound verification.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">&#8220;Any agreement has to give the United States and the world every confidence that Iran will not acquire a nuclear weapon.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">It bears repeating what previous articles explained. Iran&#8217;s nuclear program is peaceful.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">Annual US intelligence assessments say so. Ongoing IAEA monitoring confirms it.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">Washington, other Western countries and Israel know it. They suggest otherwise. They make baseless accusations.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">They do it duplicitously. Targeting Iran&#8217;s nuclear program is red herring cover for longstanding US regime change plans.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">It wants Iranian sovereignty eliminated. It wants pro-Western puppet governance replacing it. Sanctions imposed are lawless.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">They harm ordinary Iranians most. Doing so is a crime against humanity. Don&#8217;t expect media scoundrels to explain.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">Iran negotiates in good faith. Foreign Minister Zarif expressed hope for &#8220;the beginning of a new phase in our relations towards closing an unnecessary crisis and opening new horizons.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">He stressed Iran&#8217;s right to peaceful nuclear activities, adding:<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">\u201cThe right of Iran to pursue nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including enrichment, can, in fact, be exercised with the necessary political will without any proliferation concerns.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">&#8220;We feel there is no need for concerns about our nuclear program.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">&#8220;It is logical to remove any concerns though. I am hopeful that we can reach the mutual objectives. The detailed part is the most difficult part.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">&#8220;We need to take reciprocal steps, but this is a very important test in our eyes for the 5+1 to win back the trust of Iran. I believe an important step was taken in this round.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">All parties agreed to keep Iran&#8217;s proposal secret for now. What&#8217;s known is as follows:<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">Tehran submitted a three-phase approach. It&#8217;s to be implemented within six months to a year.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">(1) Confidence-building measures include Iran&#8217;s willingness to limit nuclear enrichment, reduce its operating centrifuges, agree to spot IAEA inspections, and pledge not to include plutonium separation capability at its Arak facility under construction.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">(2) All parties will implement interim measures.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">(3) End game agreement terms under which Iran signs the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) <a href=\"http:\/\/www.iaea.org\/Publications\/Factsheets\/English\/sg_overview.html\"><span style=\"color: #1255cc;\">Additional Protocol<\/span><\/a>.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">It grants IAEA &#8220;complementary inspection authority.&#8221; Its aim is to provide added assurance about &#8220;both declared and possible undeclared activities.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">It does so by &#8220;grant(ing) expanded rights of access to information and sites.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">They include all parts of the nuclear fuel cycle: uranium mines, fuel fabrication and enrichment plants, nuclear waste sites, and other locations where nuclear material may be present.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">Spot inspections are permitted. Activities may include examination of records, visual observation, environmental sampling, radiation detection and measurement, and application of seals and other identifying and tamper-indicating devices.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">Access to non-declared nuclear sites is permitted for purposes of environmental sampling. Satellite and other communication systems may be used.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">In return for Iran&#8217;s cooperation, it want sanctions relief. It wants them all removed. They never should have been imposed in the first place.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">NPT signatories aren&#8217;t obliged to accept Additional Protocol provisions. Doing so is voluntary.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">Most countries operating nuclear facilities abstain from doing so. Iran&#8217;s willingness in return for reciprocal fairness shows its good intentions.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">Iranian parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Presiding Board member Mohammad Hassan Asafari said:<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">&#8220;Accepting the Additional Protocol depends on (world powers) recogni(zing) all the nuclear rights of the Iranian nation, including (uranium) enrichment.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">He stressed Iran&#8217;s inalienable nuclear energy rights.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">&#8220;Acceptance of the Additional Protocol needs the parliament&#8217;s approval, and if the talks take place within this framework and the Iranian nation&#8217;s rights are respected, this can be studied,&#8221; he added.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">He said parliament&#8217;s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission will review Geneva talk discussions on Sunday.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">&#8220;In this session the subjects and topics discussed in the negotiations will go under precise study,&#8221; he stressed.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">&#8220;Supervision over the performance of the country&#8217;s diplomatic apparatus is a duty of the parliament and its National Security and Foreign Policy Commission.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">According to Mossad-connected <a href=\"http:\/\/www.debka.com\/article\/23359\/\"><span style=\"color: #1255cc;\">DEBKAfile<\/span><\/a> (DF) &#8220;Geneva talks fail(ed) to break (the) standoff on Iran&#8217;s nuclear program.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">All parties will &#8220;evaluate whether it is possible to bridge the gaps between Iran&#8217;s proposals and the American position.&#8221; They remain &#8220;wide.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">Western officials &#8220;saw nothing more than partial frameworks lacking concrete details.&#8221; Iran&#8217;s &#8220;partial concessions&#8221; are a &#8220;last step.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">They&#8217;re in return for sanctions relief. Good faith demands it on both sides. Don&#8217;t expect Washington to oblige.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">It&#8217;s been hostile for nearly 35 years. Change isn&#8217;t likely now. At least not enough to matter.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">Russia&#8217;s Deputy Foreign Minister\/chief negotiator Sergei Ryabkov was less than upbeat, saying:<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">Talks went &#8220;better than many people thought, but worse than what we hoped for.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">Iranian and Western positions remain &#8220;wide apart from each other. The distance can be measured in kilometers, while advances forward can be measured in steps &#8211; half a meter each.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">&#8220;(T)alks were difficult, at times tense, at times unpredictable.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">In July, US House members passed new sanctions. They targeted Iran&#8217;s mining and construction sectors.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">They expressed commitment to preclude all Iranian oil exports by 2015. They want Iran&#8217;s economy to scream.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">Senate Banking Committee members are expected to consider similar measures this fall. Hardliners demand stiffer sanctions.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">On Wednesday, Marco Rubio (F. FL) introduced a resolution for more sanctions, saying:<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">&#8220;No one should be impressed by what Iran appears to have brought to the table in Geneva.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">&#8220;Tehran has broken its word far too many times to be trusted. Due to its complete disregard for previous international agreements, we must take a firm stand in all negotiations regarding the nuclear capabilities Iran is permitted to retain.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">This type duplicitous rhetoric bodes ill. Lies substitute for truth. Despite Iran&#8217;s good intentions, vilification continues.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">China&#8217;s official press agency <a href=\"http:\/\/news.xinhuanet.com\/english\/indepth\/2013-10\/17\/c_132807184.htm\"><span style=\"color: #1255cc;\">Xinhua<\/span><\/a> headlined &#8220;Mutual trust needed to carry on Iran nuke talks.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">After decades of mistrust, it&#8217;s time for America and its allies to do so.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">Despite positive comments following talks, &#8220;scholars and advisers are more cautiously optimistic about the US-Iran rapprochement.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">&#8220;(D)ecades-long antagonism (remains) a hurdle.&#8221; US lawmakers are hardline. Netanyahu&#8217;s toughness is over-the-top.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">&#8220;(T)rust between Iran and the West, especially the United States &nbsp;is still hard to secure, and the road to a final agreement&#8221; may prove illusive.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">China&#8217;s Foreign Ministry Department of Arms Control and Disarmament Director-General Pang Sen headed Beijing&#8217;s delegation.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">He said resolving Iran&#8217;s nuclear issue requires constructive dialogue. Respecting the interests and concerns of all sides is vital, he stressed.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">China is willing to help facilitate a positive outcome, he said. It wants differences resolved peacefully.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">Doing so may be a leap too far. America doesn&#8217;t negotiate. It demands. Its longstanding Iranian position is firm. It&#8217;s hardline.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">It&#8217;s to assure unchallenged regional dominance. Washington wants it globally. It wants control of world resources. Energy matters most. It&#8217;s a strategic source of world power.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">Iran&#8217;s proved oil reserves are the world&#8217;s fourth-largest. It&#8217;s second to Russia in natural gas resources. It has vast untapped supplies.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">America&#8217;s imperial grand strategy prioritizes controlling them. Doing so requires regime change. It assures no letup in toughness to achieve it.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">Hegemons operate that way. America is by far the most ruthless. Expect no substantive letup in anti-Iranian hostility.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">AIPAC and other Israel Lobby members demand no less. Expect Congress and administration officials to willingly oblige.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">His new book is titled &#8220;Banker Occupation: Waging Financial War on Humanity.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">http:\/\/www.claritypress.com\/LendmanII.html<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">Listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">It airs Fridays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px;\">http:\/\/www.progressiveradionetwork.com\/the-progressive-news-hour<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div><b>Iranian Nuclear Talks: Hold the Cheers<\/b><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>by Stephen Lendman<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Old time US radio hero Lamont Cranston (aka the Shadow) used to ask &#8220;Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Perhaps he had US policymakers in mind. Duplicity defines their agenda.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>For nearly 35 years, Iran has wrongfully been vilified. It remains America&#8217;s main Middle East bete noire. Just concluded nuclear talks changed nothing. More on that below.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Following two days of talks in Geneva, P5+1 countries and Iran called them positive.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>A <a href=\"http:\/\/graphics8.nytimes.com\/packages\/pdf\/world\/2012\/131016_04_en.pdf\"><span>joint statement <\/span><\/a>said the following:<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>&#8220;Delegations of the E3+3 (Britain, France and Germany + America, China and Russia) and the Islamic Republic of Iran held two days of substantive and forward looking negotiations (on) 15 and 16 October 2013.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>&#8220;Building on the positive atmosphere of the first ministerial meeting held in New York on 26 September, (Iran&#8217;s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif) presented an outline of a plan as a proposed basis for negotiation, which is being carefully considered by the E3+3 as an important contribution.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>&#8220;It was decided to convene the next meeting in Geneva on November 7 and 8.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>&#8220;The participants also agreed that E3+3 and Iranian nuclear, scientific and sanctions experts will convene before the next meeting to address differences and to develop practical steps.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>An unnamed <a href=\"http:\/\/www.state.gov\/r\/pa\/prs\/ps\/2013\/10\/215557.htm\"><span>State Department<\/span><\/a> official said:<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>&#8220;Over the past two days, we&#8217;ve had serious and substantive discussions with our P5 counterparts and with Iran.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>&#8220;We had detailed technical discussions at a level we have not had before.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>&#8220;And we discussed concrete steps and actions that are necessary for Iran to address the international community&#8217;s concerns about its nuclear program.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>&#8220;Although there remain many differences in each area and in what sanctions relief might be appropriate, specific and candid discussions took place.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>&#8220;There is more work &#8211; much more work &#8211; to do, as we knew there would be.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>&#8220;We have always said that there would be no agreement overnight, and we&#8217;ve been clear that this process is going to take some time.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>&#8220;The issues are complex, very technical, and require sound verification.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>&#8220;Any agreement has to give the United States and the world every confidence that Iran will not acquire a nuclear weapon.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>It bears repeating what previous articles explained. Iran&#8217;s nuclear program is peaceful.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Annual US intelligence assessments say so. Ongoing IAEA monitoring confirms it.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Washington, other Western countries and Israel know it. They suggest otherwise. They make baseless accusations.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>They do it duplicitously. Targeting Iran&#8217;s nuclear program is red herring cover for longstanding US regime change plans.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>It wants Iranian sovereignty eliminated. It wants pro-Western puppet governance replacing it. Sanctions imposed are lawless.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>They harm ordinary Iranians most. Doing so is a crime against humanity. Don&#8217;t expect media scoundrels to explain.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Iran negotiates in good faith. Foreign Minister Zarif expressed hope for &#8220;the beginning of a new phase in our relations towards closing an unnecessary crisis and opening new horizons.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>He stressed Iran&#8217;s right to peaceful nuclear activities, adding:<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>&ldquo;The right of Iran to pursue nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including enrichment, can, in fact, be exercised with the necessary political will without any proliferation concerns.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>&#8220;We feel there is no need for concerns about our nuclear program.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>&#8220;It is logical to remove any concerns though. I am hopeful that we can reach the mutual objectives. The detailed part is the most difficult part.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>&#8220;We need to take reciprocal steps, but this is a very important test in our eyes for the 5+1 to win back the trust of Iran. I believe an important step was taken in this round.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>All parties agreed to keep Iran&#8217;s proposal secret for now. What&#8217;s known is as follows:<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Tehran submitted a three-phase approach. It&#8217;s to be implemented within six months to a year.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>(1) Confidence-building measures include Iran&#8217;s willingness to limit nuclear enrichment, reduce its operating centrifuges, agree to spot IAEA inspections, and pledge not to include plutonium separation capability at its Arak facility under construction.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>(2) All parties will implement interim measures.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>(3) End game agreement terms under which Iran signs the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) <a href=\"http:\/\/www.iaea.org\/Publications\/Factsheets\/English\/sg_overview.html\"><span>Additional Protocol<\/span><\/a>.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>It grants IAEA &#8220;complementary inspection authority.&#8221; Its aim is to provide added assurance about &#8220;both declared and possible undeclared activities.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>It does so by &#8220;grant(ing) expanded rights of access to information and sites.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>They include all parts of the nuclear fuel cycle: uranium mines, fuel fabrication and enrichment plants, nuclear waste sites, and other locations where nuclear material may be present.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Spot inspections are permitted. Activities may include examination of records, visual observation, environmental sampling, radiation detection and measurement, and application of seals and other identifying and tamper-indicating devices.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Access to non-declared nuclear sites is permitted for purposes of environmental sampling. Satellite and other communication systems may be used.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>In return for Iran&#8217;s cooperation, it want sanctions relief. It wants them all removed. They never should have been imposed in the first place.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>NPT signatories aren&#8217;t obliged to accept Additional Protocol provisions. Doing so is voluntary.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Most countries operating nuclear facilities abstain from doing so. Iran&#8217;s willingness in return for reciprocal fairness shows its good intentions.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Iranian parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Presiding Board member Mohammad Hassan Asafari said:<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>&#8220;Accepting the Additional Protocol depends on (world powers) recogni(zing) all the nuclear rights of the Iranian nation, including (uranium) enrichment.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>He stressed Iran&#8217;s inalienable nuclear energy rights.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>&#8220;Acceptance of the Additional Protocol needs the parliament&#8217;s approval, and if the talks take place within this framework and the Iranian nation&#8217;s rights are respected, this can be studied,&#8221; he added.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>He said parliament&#8217;s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission will review Geneva talk discussions on Sunday.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>&#8220;In this session the subjects and topics discussed in the negotiations will go under precise study,&#8221; he stressed.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>&#8220;Supervision over the performance of the country&#8217;s diplomatic apparatus is a duty of the parliament and its National Security and Foreign Policy Commission.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>According to Mossad-connected <a href=\"http:\/\/www.debka.com\/article\/23359\/\"><span>DEBKAfile<\/span><\/a> (DF) &#8220;Geneva talks fail(ed) to break (the) standoff on Iran&#8217;s nuclear program.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>All parties will &#8220;evaluate whether it is possible to bridge the gaps between Iran&#8217;s proposals and the American position.&#8221; They remain &#8220;wide.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Western officials &#8220;saw nothing more than partial frameworks lacking concrete details.&#8221; Iran&#8217;s &#8220;partial concessions&#8221; are a &#8220;last step.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>They&#8217;re in return for sanctions relief. Good faith demands it on both sides. Don&#8217;t expect Washington to oblige.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>It&#8217;s been hostile for nearly 35 years. Change isn&#8217;t likely now. At least not enough to matter.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Russia&#8217;s Deputy Foreign Minister\/chief negotiator Sergei Ryabkov was less than upbeat, saying:<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Talks went &#8220;better than many people thought, but worse than what we hoped for.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Iranian and Western positions remain &#8220;wide apart from each other. The distance can be measured in kilometers, while advances forward can be measured in steps &#8211; half a meter each.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>&#8220;(T)alks were difficult, at times tense, at times unpredictable.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>In July, US House members passed new sanctions. They targeted Iran&#8217;s mining and construction sectors.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>They expressed commitment to preclude all Iranian oil exports by 2015. They want Iran&#8217;s economy to scream.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Senate Banking Committee members are expected to consider similar measures this fall. Hardliners demand stiffer sanctions.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>On Wednesday, Marco Rubio (F. FL) introduced a resolution for more sanctions, saying:<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>&#8220;No one should be impressed by what Iran appears to have brought to the table in Geneva.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>&#8220;Tehran has broken its word far too many times to be trusted. Due to its complete disregard for previous international agreements, we must take a firm stand in all negotiations regarding the nuclear capabilities Iran is permitted to retain.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>This type duplicitous rhetoric bodes ill. Lies substitute for truth. Despite Iran&#8217;s good intentions, vilification continues.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>China&#8217;s official press agency <a href=\"http:\/\/news.xinhuanet.com\/english\/indepth\/2013-10\/17\/c_132807184.htm\"><span>Xinhua<\/span><\/a> headlined &#8220;Mutual trust needed to carry on Iran nuke talks.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>After decades of mistrust, it&#8217;s time for America and its allies to do so.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Despite positive comments following talks, &#8220;scholars and advisers are more cautiously optimistic about the US-Iran rapprochement.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>&#8220;(D)ecades-long antagonism (remains) a hurdle.&#8221; US lawmakers are hardline. Netanyahu&#8217;s toughness is over-the-top.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>&#8220;(T)rust between Iran and the West, especially the United States &nbsp;is still hard to secure, and the road to a final agreement&#8221; may prove illusive.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>China&#8217;s Foreign Ministry Department of Arms Control and Disarmament Director-General Pang Sen headed Beijing&#8217;s delegation.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>He said resolving Iran&#8217;s nuclear issue requires constructive dialogue. Respecting the interests and concerns of all sides is vital, he stressed.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>China is willing to help facilitate a positive outcome, he said. It wants differences resolved peacefully.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Doing so may be a leap too far. America doesn&#8217;t negotiate. It demands. Its longstanding Iranian position is firm. It&#8217;s hardline.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>It&#8217;s to assure unchallenged regional dominance. Washington wants it globally. It wants control of world resources. Energy matters most. It&#8217;s a strategic source of world power.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Iran&#8217;s proved oil reserves are the world&#8217;s fourth-largest. It&#8217;s second to Russia in natural gas resources. It has vast untapped supplies.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>America&#8217;s imperial grand strategy prioritizes controlling them. Doing so requires regime change. It assures no letup in toughness to achieve it.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Hegemons operate that way. America is by far the most ruthless. Expect no substantive letup in anti-Iranian hostility.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>AIPAC and other Israel Lobby members demand no less. Expect Congress and administration officials to willingly oblige.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>His new book is titled &#8220;Banker Occupation: Waging Financial War on Humanity.&#8221;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>http:\/\/www.claritypress.com\/LendmanII.html<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>It airs Fridays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>http:\/\/www.progressiveradionetwork.com\/the-progressive-news-hour<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1217,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[487,461],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-83930","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-breaking-news","7":"category-editorials"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/rinf.com\/alt-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83930","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/rinf.com\/alt-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/rinf.com\/alt-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/rinf.com\/alt-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1217"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/rinf.com\/alt-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=83930"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/rinf.com\/alt-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83930\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/rinf.com\/alt-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=83930"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/rinf.com\/alt-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=83930"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/rinf.com\/alt-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=83930"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}