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Vienna Talks for the Removal of Sanctions

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Vienna Talks for the Removal of Sanctions

Vienna Talks for the Removal of Sanctions

By: Hossein Amir-Abdollahian

Iran is serious, acts in good faith, and considers the practical and tangible result to be the removal of sanctions.

The path travelled

The path travelled during six rounds of intensive negotiations in Vienna did not lead to success due to the US excessive demands and unrealistic stances. Now we are starting a new round of talks. The main goal of these negotiations is the restoration of the rights of the Iranian nation and removal of all the sanctions imposed unilaterally and extraterritorially on Iran by the United States which is no longer a party to the JCPOA. The US pulled out of the JCPOA on 08 May 2018–a measure perceived and condemned internationally as unlawful. There is international consensus that these unlawful US behaviors demonstrate a total contempt for the international law and the UN Charter, undermine multilateralism, and pose enormous menace to international peace and security.

Despite the formation of a new government in the United States, not only have the illegal and unilateral sanctions remained in place, but the policy of imposing sanctions on Iran has continued to exist. It is crystal clear that such US measures are aimed at preventing Iran and other JCPOA participants as well as other members of the international community from enjoying the rights and benefits described in the nuclear deal and UNSC Resolution 2231. Regrettably, too, the governments of the three European parties to the JCPOA, despite considering such a US approach as illegal and unacceptable, moved to accommodate it in practice with their silence and inaction. The alignment of the three JCPOA European countries with such devastating US measures has rendered the nuclear deal ineffective, eliminating all the economic dividends of the deal for Iran. These are the bitter realities of the past several years which should illuminate the way forward to the future. 

Continuing Trump’s disastrous approach by the present US administration has raised the serious question of whether or not the present US administration is truly determined to implement its obligations and prepared to abandon the past failed policies. Answering this question does not appear difficult considering the US approach and measures during the past months. 

No one can indeed question Iran’s seriousness and goodwill in fulfilling its obligations in their entirety. After the unlawful US withdrawal and the imposition of sanctions, Iran refrained from remedial measures in good faith, and, granting the request of the remaining JCPOA participants and the European Union as the coordinator of the nuclear deal, avoided resorting to the cessation of its commitments under the JCPOA so as to provide the opportunity for other JCPOA participants to compensate for the negative impacts of the US withdrawal. However, given the persistence of this unconstructive state of affairs and after one year of strategic patience, due to the escalation of US sanctions, and non-performance of the obligations of the three European countries, Iran was left with no choice but to enforce its rights as set forth in paragraphs 26 and 36 of the JCPOA and cease, partially and in stages, performing its obligations as of 08 May 2019. 

Witnessing no change in the status quo, in the absence of an effective measure by the relevant JCPOA participants, and given the regrettable history of developments, the parliament of Iran adopted, on 02 December 2020, the law of “the strategic action plan to lift sanctions and protect the interests of the Iranian nation”. This law obligated the government of Iran to gradually cease the implementation of all its voluntary commitments under the JCPOA unless other parties to the deal fulfill their entire obligations in practice. 

The path ahead of Vienna talks

The Islamic Republic of Iran, in spite of significant non-performance by the West in the JCPOA, is once again ready, in good faith, for result-oriented negotiations to achieve a “good deal” with P4+1.  The Islamic Republic of Iran has “good faith”, serious determination, and the necessary will to reach a good deal in Vienna. 

In this process, it should never be forgotten that the United States is the main culprit behind the creation of the status quo. In the past four years, the government of the United States has spared no effort to crush the nuclear deal, and it was Iran that did all it could to keep the deal alive. What became evident to Iran during the past six rounds of negotiations is that the United States still fails to properly understand the fact that there is no way to return to the JCPOA without verifiable and effective lifting of all sanctions imposed on the Iranian nation after the US departure. 

The United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 calls upon all the member states to “take such actions as may be appropriate to support the implementation of the JCPOA, including by taking actions commensurate with the implementation plan set out in the JCPOA and this resolution and by refraining from actions that undermine the implementation of commitments under the JCPOA.” 

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The main objective of the upcoming talks should be the full and effective implementation of the JCPOA and the pursuit of the goal of normalization of trade relations and economic cooperation with Iran. It goes without saying that in order to return to the JCPOA, Iran should benefit fully from the lifting of all the sanctions. Iran is prepared to cease application of all its remedial measures if guarantees are provided, damages are assessed, and all sanctions are effectively and verifiably lifted. 

The likely return of the US to the nuclear deal would not be meaningful unless guarantees are presented to prevent the recurrence of the bitter experience of the past and Iran’s trade partners could confidently enter into long term economic engagement with Iran free from any concern. 

What is clear in the forthcoming negotiations is that Iran will not accept requests beyond the JCPOA. The Islamic Republic of Iran will not enter into any discussion whatsoever about issues beyond the nuclear deal. 

I would like to emphasize once again that this opportunity is not a window that could remain open forever and the US and the three European countries must understand this well. The Islamic Republic of Iran, while making its determined, strong and active diplomatic efforts to remove the oppressive US sanctions, has devised an effective program to neutralize the sanctions in line with its sustainable economic development program. 

Without doubt, Tehran remains as committed to maintaining and safeguarding the achievements of its nuclear scientists and peaceful nuclear industry as it remains obliged to non-diversion from its peaceful nuclear program, and will not abandon its comprehensive development in industry, trade, maritime, space, defense, science, and technology sectors, nor will it curtail its increasing economic development. 

Deal is possible if other parties demonstrate political will in practice. 

Despite the unfulfilled promises of the West and distrust towards the unconstructive approach and policies of the White House, the Islamic Republic of Iran will endeavor “with true determination” and “in good faith” in Vienna negotiations to achieve a “good,” sustainable and effective verifiable deal for the lifting of sanctions. The nuclear negotiating team of the Islamic Republic of Iran engages actively and earnestly in Vienna negotiations in good faith, pursuing a negotiation logic which secures the interests and rights of the Iranian nation. My colleagues and I fully support the negotiating team as well as the chief negotiator, Mr. Baqeri Kani, who has extensive experience of negotiation in the field. I will engage in further consultation with my counterparts if necessary

*Hossein Amir-Abdollahian is the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran 

Vienna Talks for the Removal of Sanctions

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China has shown to be Africa’s friend, development partner, Insists Stakeholders

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China has shown to be Africa’s friend, development partner, Insists Stakeholders

By: Michael Mike

Stakeholders in diplomacy, academia, and the media have dismissed the claim that China has ulterior motives in Africa, insisting that the Chinese Government has come to the continent as a friend and key development partner.

They made this point at the Media Executives Forum and Book Launch held in Abuja at the China Cultural Centre.

The event, which featured the unveiling of Balancing the Narrative: China-Africa Relations authored by seasoned diplomatic journalist Raphael Oni, brought together diplomats, media professionals, and scholars to discuss the impact and perception of China’s growing involvement in Africa.

Speaking at the launch, Oni, who recently participated in a media training programme in China, described the book as a product of his experience and research.

He said: “There is a gap in understanding China’s role in Africa. A lot of misinformation is being circulated, especially through Western media. This book is my effort to correct that.”

Oni, who is the Editor-in-Chief of Diplomatic Extra, a magazine dedicated to foreign affairs and diplomatic reports, pointed to China’s numerous contributions in areas such as infrastructure, education, and technology, citing projects like roads, railways, and airport construction supported by Chinese funding and expertise.

He also highlighted capacity-building programmes that send Nigerian professionals and students to China for training.

on his part, the Director, Centre for Chinese Studies in Nigeria, Mr. Charles Onunaiju, commended Oni’s work, stating that it contributes to knowledge-driven cooperation. He noted that: “There are myths surrounding China-Africa relations, but what we need is deeper understanding and accurate information.”

In his remarks, the President of the African Union of Journalists and erstwhile President of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr. Christopher Isiguzo, urged Nigerian political leaders to emulate China’s development-driven approach. “China’s progress is rooted in long-term planning and strong national vision. We can learn a lot from that,” he said.

Diplomatic representatives from the High Commissions of Sierra Leone and Malaysia, as well as the Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, also delivered goodwill messages. They praised the book and emphasized the importance of cultural and media exchanges in building international partnerships.

Participants at the event called for greater collaboration between African and Chinese media to present more balanced narratives and foster mutual understanding. They urged African journalists to take the lead in shaping the continent’s global image by telling stories grounded in fact and experience.

The forum concluded with a consensus that China remains a reliable ally in Africa’s development journey and that dispelling misinformation through responsible journalism is essential for strengthening bilateral ties.

China has shown to be Africa’s friend, development partner, Insists Stakeholders

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6th Anniversary: My promise of transforming Gombe now reality, says Gov. Yahaya

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6th Anniversary: My promise of transforming Gombe now reality, says Gov. Yahaya

Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, on Thursday, declared that his vision of transforming the state, set six years ago, has now become a tangible reality.

He stated this in Gombe during a state-wide broadcast marking the sixth anniversary of his administration’s leadership in the state.

According to Yahaya, his government has achieved remarkable progress since 2019, with visible development in every region of the state serving as undeniable proof.

He noted that the transformation agenda spanned education, healthcare, the economy, roads, infrastructure, and security, among other key areas of governance and public welfare.

Yahaya noted that his administration met public expectations by delivering quality governance, making Gombe a national benchmark across various development sectors.

“When we began this journey six years ago, we promised to transform Gombe into a development model. Today, that promise has come to fruition,” he said.

He said that every corner of Gombe bears evidence of growth and change, reflecting the state’s steady advancement under his leadership.

In the health sector, Yahaya said his government revamped and equipped 114 primary health centres, recruited personnel, and revitalised healthcare delivery across the state.

On education, he emphasised a holistic, data-driven strategy that improved learning outcomes and earned praise from the Federal Ministry of Education and development partners.

“We have also overhauled Gombe’s road infrastructure, delivering over 900 kilometres of rural and urban roads to enhance accessibility and economic growth,” he said.

These projects, he added, have linked communities, boosted trade, and eased the movement of people and goods across the state.

“All township roads under this scheme feature solar-powered streetlights, improving visibility at night and enhancing local security,” Yahaya noted.

Addressing water scarcity, the governor stated that over 900 boreholes had been constructed during his tenure to improve access to clean water.

He thanked the people of Gombe for their steadfast support and vowed to consolidate on achievements during the remaining two years of his second term.

“In the next two years, we’ll enhance Gombe’s strengths in commerce, agriculture, and renewable energy,” Yahaya pledged.

He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, good governance, and youth empowerment to prepare them for a dynamic and changing world.

6th Anniversary: My promise of transforming Gombe now reality, says Gov. Yahaya

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Soldier arrested in Rivers over attempted rape, theft, and assault on police officer

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Soldier arrested in Rivers over attempted rape, theft, and assault on police officer

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police in Rivers State have arrested a serving soldier over an alleged attempted rape, theft, and assault on a police officer in Kpor Division, under Zone 16, Yenagoa.

Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Cpl. Dinebari Legudu, who claimed we was attached Special Forces, in Maiduguri, was arrested on Wednesday following a complaint by a 17-year-old female, Peace Baridor, of Bera community.

According to the police, the teenage girl reported that the suspect, whom she recently befriended on Facebook, visited her residence around 3:30 p.m. on the same day and allegedly attempted to rape her. She managed to escape and locked the suspect inside the house.

“In her absence, the suspect ransacked the home and allegedly stole N150,000 belonging to the girl’s mother before breaking out and fleeing,” the statement said.

Upon receiving the report at about 6:05 p.m., officers from the Kpor Division, acting swiftly alongside the complainant, traced and apprehended the suspect. Upon interrogation, it was revealed that he is a serving soldier currently on pass from his unit in Maiduguri.

The police also reported that the suspect resisted arrest and assaulted one of the arresting officers during the operation.

He is currently in police custody and investigation is ongoing.

Authorities said due process would be followed and the military hierarchy has been notified for necessary administrative procedures.

Soldier arrested in Rivers over attempted rape, theft, and assault on police officer

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