MOSCOW. Jan 21 (Interfax) - The talks between the P5+1 and Iran on the final resolution of the Iranian nuclear problem will begin in several weeks and Moscow is cautiously optimistic over its success, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
"The first stage is six months but the second stage will begin now, before the first one ends. The consultations on the second round, in the framework of which the task is to agree on the final resolution of all issues related to the Iranian nuclear program, should start in several weeks," Lavrov said at a news conference in Moscow on Tuesday.
"This is quite an ambitious task. But it is necessary to pursue it in such a way that these negotiations do not lead us away from, but, are instead concentrated on commonly acceptable agreements," Lavrov said.
When all issues with Iran are resolved, all sanctions, including the ones introduced along the UN Security Council, should be lifted, Lavrov said. "This is very complicated work and I do not take it upon myself to predict how soon it will be complete. As far as I can judge, the other members of the P5+1 group and Iran have the same stance, which gives grounds for cautious optimism," the minister said.