What Happened in Geneva? - Salem-News.Com

Did France object to its partners (Iran says most of the time in Geneva was spent on discussions between themselves) who then changed their original draft agreement (which Iran was prepared to sign) to something Iran would not sign?

(PORTLAND, OR) - Below is just one sample of the contradictory media narratives of what happened at the Geneva negotiation between five of the nuke powers (plus Germany) and Iran. Everyone assumed they were going to be just between the US (and its noisy “strategic partner, Israel) and Iran, but then came the news that France was the obstacle to at least a preliminary deal.

Then, from the oil shiekdoms, Kerry announces no, it wasn’t France (who actually called the deal a “con”); it was Iran who objected to a few phrases in the draft that France and the rest had agreed to. Variously, the phrases were about the unfinished Arak facility or Iran’s insistence the Non Proliferation treaty gives it enrichment rights for peaceful purposes (which it does).

So what happened? Did France object to its partners (Iran says most of the time in Geneva was spent on discussions between themselves) who then changed their original draft agreement (which Iran was prepared to sign) to something Iran would not sign?

It’s an important story and the media sources and their agendas should be revealed.-MM

"Kerry says Iran rejected nuclear deal," by AP Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee, with Kerry in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: "Secretary of State John Kerry said Monday that the major powers were unified on an Iran nuclear deal ... but the Iranians were unable to accept it. ... Kerry said the United States and its negotiating partners were unified when the proposal was presented to the Iranians. 'The French signed off on it, we signed off on it.' Earlier reports said that the talks came apart because France refused to accept the deal with Iran."

--"French out-tough US over Iran nuclear program," by AP's Jamey Keaten in Paris: "When Iran appeared close to a preliminary deal with world powers over its nuclear program, France stepped up to say: Not so fast -- a surprise move that exposed divisions among the United States and other Western negotiators ... France, analysts say, was motivated by factors including its tough stand against the spread of nuclear weapons, skepticism about Tehran's trustworthiness, and the longstanding French tradition of speaking out on the world stage. Critics faulted France for alleged grandstanding and seeking closer ties with Iran's foes."

Michael Munk tries to glean important but overlooked items from the world media on the issues of the day and posts them on an irregular schedule. Although items can overlap, he also maintains separate lists for activists in Portland, Oregon and the Northwest, and special lists for: Labor, Latin America, Israel, Torture Taxis, Korea, and the Czech Republic.

Michael is a highly praised writer from an important generation whose book, the Portland Red Guide, has received high praise.

"City Commissioner Nick Fish gave me a copy. Sat down on my sofa and couldn't put it down until I finished. Fascinating!"
-- Tom Potter, Mayor of Portland 2005-2009

"Whoop! Whoop! I'm impressed by how many names from Portland's past have not made it into our official histories and public memorials. Some were good friends of mine. Local history is too often overlooked. Good work, Mike."
-- Bud Clark, Saloon keeper, Goose Hollow Inn, and Mayor of Portland, 1985–1992