EU's Solana optimistic about atom talks with Iran

LISBON, June 23 (Reuters) European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana said today he was optimistic about his impending nuclear talks with Iran, but expected no major developments.

''I am optimistic, although I do not think great results will take place,'' Solana told Reuters before starting another round of exploratory talks with Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, in Lisbon.

The United States, Britain, Russia, France, Germany and China are discussing a third set of UN sanctions against Iran over concerns it is covertly trying to build nuclear weapons.

Iran denies the charge, saying it needs nuclear technology to satisfy booming demand for electricity.

Increasing the pressure on Tehran, a British draft of a new UN sanctions resolution proposed that Iran's airlines and ships could be denied landing and transit rights and two or more of its banks could have their assets frozen.

Larijani said such measures would be fruitless.

''Such resolutions will have no results,'' he told reporters.

REUTERS SR RK2300