EU, Iran talks 'constructive'

VIENNA, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Negotiators from the European Union and Iran said they have concluded a "constructive" meeting in Vienna on Tehran's nuclear program.

Javier Solana, the European Union's foreign policy leader, and Ali Larijani, Iran's top nuclear security official, said after Sunday's meeting that they would meet again Wednesday or Thursday, the Financial Times reported.

"We have made progress and want to continue in that line," Solana said. "We could clarify some of the misunderstandings that existed before."

The officials discussed Iran's resumed uranium enrichment program, which the United States and EU fear could be used to create weapons-grade material. The United States, Russia, China and the EU reached an agreement not to begin formal negotiations until Iran halts the program.

Iran has asked the EU for security guarantees if it agrees to a deal. The country has also expressed the desire for Western help in building light water nuclear reactors, which U.N. inspectors would likely be allowed to monitor.

A German media report said both sides felt "misunderstandings" over the incentives package had been cleared and that some progress was achieved for resolving the dispute.

Larijani also told reporters he met with Mohammed El Baradei, secretary general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Islamic Republic News Agency reported.