Iran's nuclear chief leaves for Munich talks

Tehran, Feb 10: Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani has left Tehran to attend a conference in Munich where he plans to meet European officials, state television reported today.

UN officials have said they hoped the planned meeting would allow some breathing space in the standoff between Iran and the West over Tehran's nuclear programme.

''Larijani ... has left to take part in the Munich conference,'' said the television. It did not say when he would arrive in the German city.

Organisers of the Munich Security Conference, bringing together some of the world's top politicians, said yesterday Larijani had cancelled his visit due to illness but later reported he would attend.

Reuters