Statement on Iran talks by EU's Ashton

GENEVA (Reuters) - The following is the text of a statement read out by European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton on Tuesday after two days of talks between six major powers with Iran on its nuclear program.

The EU is coordinating the efforts of the six powers -- the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany:

"We have had nearly two days of detailed substantive talks, focusing on the Iranian nuclear program and the need for Iran to comply with its international obligations.

"The countries I represent are united in seeking a resolution of the international community's concerns, regarding Iran's nuclear program which is the central purpose of these talks.

"We recognize Iran's rights but insist it fulfils its obligations. We are ready to address and seek common ground also on other issues of mutual interest.

"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."

(Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Editing by Jonathan Lynn)