EU foreign policy chief expresses optimism about potential nuke framework deal

LAUSANNE (Xinhua) - A senior official of the European Union said on Saturday that a framework deal on Iran nuclear issue is close at hand despite the fact some difficult points need to be ironed out in the final stage of talks.

Federica Mogherini, EU foreign policy chief, made the remarks before foreign ministers from P5+1( namely the U. St., Britain, China, France, Russia and Germany) and Iran join the Iranian nuclear talks on Sunday in a bid to hammer out a framework agreement before the March 31 deadline.

"We are always optimistic, otherwise we won't be here," the EU foreign policy chief told reporters on her arrival in Lausanne.

"I think we have made substantial progress, the words from last week has been very positive, but still there are some points which we have to work hard to find solutions," she added.

She said: "We can find solutions which are good for all, which can guarantee that Iran has no nuclear weapons but can still develop civil nuclear program, I think this is the common ground uniting all in the negotiation, not only tonight or tomorrow, but also in the last month".

She said all parties can make a deal that is good for nonproliferation, for security in the region and the world, also for the sake of regional stability.