UN-Iran: try to rescue the negotiations

Nuclear talks between Iran and the European Union are proving more difficult than ever and the chances of averting a breakdown are only 50-50, according to a senior Iranian negotiator.

The foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany and EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana are scheduled to meet top Iranian negotiator &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/world/2003/12/02/51589.html ' target=_blank>Hassan Rohani in Geneva on Wednesday to try to rescue the negotiations.

If the talks fail, the EU could refer Iran to the United Nations Security Council for possible sanctions. Tehran last week threatened to restart its uranium-enrichment program, which the EU and the United States fears is being used to develop weapons, tells CNN News.

According to the Business Week, the EU and the United States fear Iran is using its uranium-enrichment program to develop weapons, while Iran claims its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes -- to build much-needed nuclear reactors to meet growing energy needs.

British Foreign Secretary &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/usa/2002/04/18/27743.html ' target=_blank>Jack Straw expressed hope that talks with Iran on Wednesday in Geneva would make progress.

Straw, along with foreign ministers from France and Germany, and EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, are scheduled to hold urgent negotiations with Iran aiming to put the talks back on track.

The 25-member EU has offered the carrot of a free trade pact and further economic aid if the nation comes clean on its nuclear intentions.