Vienna, July 10 (IANS): The P5 1 group of world powers is shifting positions and pressing excessive demands on Tehran as marathon talks over Iran's nuclear energy programme are nearing an endgame, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said.

"Unfortunately, we are witnessing both shifts in positions and excessive demands... Several countries in the P5 1 group hold different positions. Such issues have made the negotiations difficult.

"We want a dignified agreement and negotiations, and we will continue to negotiate. The deal would be within reach should the other side seek an honourable and balanced accord," Press TV quoted the chief Iranian negotiator as saying late on Thursday.

"There are always new ideas on any negotiating table. It is important for everybody to stick to what we have already agreed, and to move forward based on that," he said in response to a question about new ideas being brought up in the talks and the differences among member states of the P5 1 group.

Zarif, on Wednesday, reminded the P5 1 group -- Britain, China, France, Russia, the US plus Germany -- to choose between coercion and agreement, warning against opting for the former.

"There is growing acknowledgment that attempting to coerce a proud civilisation into submission only leads to further conflict, resentment and hostility," he had written in an article.

In a video message released on July 3, the Iranian foreign minister likewise demanded the six powers to select between the two.