国际英语新闻：Iran, major powers agree to continue talks in Istanbul

ANKARA, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Iran and major world powers agreed to continue talks on Iran's nuclear program in late January 2011 in Istanbul, the largest city of Turkey, a statement issued by the Turkish Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

European Union (EU)'s foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton informed Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu via phone about the decision, the statement said.

During the nearly two days of talks in Geneva, the six powers, namely the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany, represented by Ashton, highlighted the need for Iran to comply with its international obligations.

Meanwhile, the statement quoted Ashton as saying during the phone call that Turkey's contribution to the talks was appreciated.

For his part, Davutoglu said Turkey would continue to play a role that would help achieve global and regional peace, according to the statement.

Davutoglu added that he would be happy to host participants of talks in Istanbul.

In a statement earlier in the day, Ashton had said "we and Iran agreed to a continuation of these talks in late January in Istanbul where we plan to discuss practical ideas and ways of cooperating toward resolution of our core concerns about the nuclear issue."