5+1 set to sign nuclear deal with Iran by July 20

The 5+1group (the 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council - the US, the UK, France, Russia and China - plus Germany) is ready to sign an agreement concerning Iran's nuclear programme by July 20, the EU foreign policy chief's representative Michael Mann says.

"The High Representative of the European Union, Catherine Ashton, has invited representatives of the 5+1 group to Brussels in order to prepare for the coming talks," Mann said.

"The parties have confirmed their readiness to sign a comprehensive agreement by July 20," the EU official said.