Negotiated resolution to nuclear issue encouraged by Socialist International during talks in Tehran

Socialist International President George Papandreou and Socialist International Secretary General Luis Ayala held meetings today in Tehran with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki and Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani to reaffirm the backing of the International for negotiations leading to a resolution of the nuclear issue in Iran.

For the Socialist International, promoting peace and stability based on the principles of common and collective security, international law and the United Nations Charter has always been a priority. The visit to Tehran underlined the long held belief of all the members of the International that multilateral efforts based on serious dialogue between nations are the only means to resolve difficult issues in a meaningful, fair and lasting way.

In the talks in Tehran it was stressed that the Socialist International hopes that common ground can be found to begin the negotiations toward an accord on verifiably peaceful uses of nuclear technology in Iran. For it recognises that there are now opportunities not only for reducing tensions and achieving security and stability in the region as a whole, but also for strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation framework worldwide, which are high priorities in the work of the Socialist International.

In following this path, the International has been responding to the desire for peace in the region and elsewhere in the world where citizens increasingly are looking for progressive approaches that can bring an end to disputes between nations without resort to the use of force, and for more effective forms of global governance that can ensure a more secure future for everyone.