World powers meet for second round of talks over Iran

Six world powers met Wednesday in New York for a second round of talks in less than a week behind closed doors to discuss possible steps over the Iranian nuclear issue.

The permanent representatives of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- plus Germany, met for more than three hours at the U.S. mission.

Emerging from the talks, Russian Ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin told reporters that the talks were very "constructive" and the six would meet again "very soon."

Chinese Ambassador to the UN Li Baodong also described the meeting as "constructive", saying "we now have a better understanding of each other's positions."

"We will continue these consultations," Li told reporters.

Referring to a possible UN Security Council draft resolution on Iran, French ambassador Gerard Araud said "All six countries are on board ... We are getting into the substance, we're moving forward."

The United States and other Western countries have been pushing for a fourth round of UN sanctions to restrict Iran's nuclear efforts, which they say are aimed at developing nuclear weapons.

Iran has denied the Western accusation, saying its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes and is intended to generate electricity for its people.

Source: Xinhua