Switzerland welcomes 'constructive progress' in US-Iran negotiations

The Swiss government on Monday welcomed the ‘constructive progress’ achieved during talks between Iran, the United States, and mediators that continued through Sunday night at the Buergenstock Resort in Switzerland. In a statement, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs said it appreciated the establishment of a high-level committee by the parties based on a memorandum of understanding signed by the US and Iran, calling it a ‘positive step’ towards further political and technical processes. The foreign ministry stated that the agreement on a roadmap aimed at reaching a final deal within 60 days created favourable conditions to ‘resume new technical discussions as soon as possible’. ‘Switzerland remains ready to support this process,’ the statement said. According to a joint statement issued early Monday by the mediators, Pakistan and Qatar, the first session of high-level negotiations under the MoU officially concluded at the Buergenstock Resort. Based on the MoU, the parties agreed to form a high-level committee that will provide political oversight of the mediation process, the joint statement explained. The committee also agreed on a roadmap to achieve a final agreement within 60 days, laying the foundation for resuming further technical talks as soon as possible. The parties agreed to create a conflict de-escalation unit involving the relevant parties and the Republic of Lebanon, facilitated by the mediators, to ensure compliance with the cessation of military operations in Lebanon in accordance with the MoU’s provisions. The joint statement added that technical discussions on all issues will continue until the end of this week at the Buergenstock Resort.