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Russian diplomat compares talks on Iran's nuclear program with ascending Mount Everest

A final comprehensive agreement on the Iranian nuclear dossier was originally expected to be elaborated by June 30 but the negotiating process has been extended until July 7

UFA, July 8. /TASS/. The final round of talks between Iran and the six world powers (US, UK, Russia, China, France and Germany) can be compared with the last and hardest stage of ascending Mount Everest, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Rybakov said on Thursday.

"We are working together with colleagues from P5+1 group on proposals made by Iran on Tuesday. This work is hard and time-consuming. We did not meet the July 7 deadline," Ryabkov, who also serves as Russia’s Sherpa in BRICS and main negotiator at talks on Iran’s nuclear program, told a briefing. "Those are right who say that talks are like ascending Mount Everest," he added.

He did not clarify when Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will return to Vienna. "[I will not answer this question] not because I am not aware of what is going on, but because it is just unethical," Ryabkov said.

The final round of talks between Iran and the six powers (US, UK, Russia, China, France and Germany) on Teheran’s nuclear program is currently underway in Vienna. A final comprehensive agreement on the Iranian nuclear dossier was originally expected to be elaborated by June 30 but the negotiating process has been extended until July 7. On Tuesday, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said that the deadline has been extended once again as the sides need several more days to reach the final comprehensive agreement.