MOSCOW, November 21 (Sputnik) — Тhe countries from the P5+1 group and Iran understand that as the November 24 deadline for finding a permanent agreement over Iran's nuclear program is looming, not a single hour could be missed, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said, adding that the ministers' presence in Vienna is a positive sign.
"Everybody understands that not a single hour could be missed," Ryabkov told journalists Friday commenting on the decision of US Secretary of State John Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Zarif to stay in Vienna.
"This is a signal that the work can succeed," Ryabkov said adding that the presence of the ministers at the talks' venue could give a boost to the decision-making process.
Earlier on Friday, Kerry discussed the ongoing nuclear talks of the P5+1 group of negotiators with Iran in Vienna in a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Ryabkov said that Lavrov is "looking into the possibility" of coming to Vienna, as international negotiators are making a final effort to secure a permanent accord on the Iranian nuclear issue before the November 24 deadline.
Iran's nuclear ambitions have sparked concerns in the West, prompting the UN Security Council, the United States, and the European Union to target it with sanctions. Iran wants to see all restrictions against it cancelled as soon as the final deal is signed, while Washington has so far only conceded to scaling them down over an extended period of time.
Tehran claims its nuclear development is for civilian purposes only, such as meeting the country's growing energy needs. However, the West suspects Iran of developing a nuclear weapon under the guise of a peaceful program.
