October 10, 2007 (LPAC)--In accordance with agreement signed by the UN nuclear watchdog, IAEA, and Iran on Aug. 21, technical talks to clarify outstanding questions have begun in Tehran. The talks may last two or three days, the latest reports indicating that the ongoing talks are fruitful.

As reported by Iranian news agency, IRNA, the talks were co-chaired by Iran's Deputy Secretary for International Affairs Javad Vaeedi, and Deputy IAEA Chief for Safeguards, Ollie Heinonen. Talks are expected to cover P-1 and P-2 centrifuges, IRNA reported. Iran uses a 1970s vintage of centrifuge, called P-1s, which are prone to breakdown if spun at high speed for long periods. It is researching an advanced P-2 model at sites off limits to IAEA inspectors. "The process is on track," a senior Vienna diplomat familiar with IAEA-Iran contacts said, adding that the two sides were meeting earlier than the previous plan of mid-October.

In these talks, Iran will present written answers to questions asked by the IAEA at their last round of talks. Subsequently, the IAEA will have the rest of the month of October to raise more questions, if the organization finds it necessary. In November, IAEA Chief Mohammad ElBaradei will present a report as the IAEA assessment of the Iranian nuclear power program.