European Union still believes negotiations on Iran nuclear program possible, France Foreign Minister says

France's foreign minister said Wednesday that the European Union still believes negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program are possible, despite canceling an Aug. 31 meeting.

"We think it is still possible to talk to them," Philippe Douste-Blazy said on France Inter radio. "We want to write a new page in relations between the European Union and Iran."

The French Foreign Ministry on Tuesday said France, Germany and Britain had canceled nuclear talks with Iran because of Tehran's decision earlier this month to resume operations at its Isfahan plant.

The Iranian decision violated a deal signed with the European Union in November to freeze uranium conversion and other activities during negotiations.

The foreign minister said Wednesday that it would be clear if Iran was carrying out nuclear activities for military reasons after the release of a report by U.N. nuclear chief Mohamed El-Baradei on September 3.

"There is no reason to shut the door to Iran," he said. "Until the last moment, we want to be able to talk with them," reports the AP.