The comments by Manouchehr Mottaki represented the first official confirmation that the meeting was going ahead Wednesday, after diplomats in Europe said the date had only been tentatively fixed.

"The third round of talks between Solana and Larijani was supposed to be held today in New York but due to visa problems for Mr Larijani it will be held today in one of the European countries," he was quoted as saying by state television.

"Since there is an atmosphere of understanding between Iran and Europe, we can be optimistic on the results of the meeting," he added, just before leaving New York where he has held talks at the United Nations.

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