Russian FM: Moscow determined to continue cooperation with Tehran

Moscow, April 7, IRNA - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday that Moscow is determined to continue cooperation with Tehran.

In an interview with the daily ?Rossiiskaya Gazeta?, he referred to
the recent meeting held between Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and
the US President Barack Obama.

During the meeting, President Medvedev said that any deal concerning
Iran would not be possible, he said.

The two presidents met in London on April 1, 2009, reviewing the
latest global developments including Iran?s peaceful nuclear program,
Lavrov added.

He said leaders of the two countries, in their joint statement,
announced their readiness to help settle Iran?s nuclear issue through
peaceful and diplomatic means within the framework of the decisions
made by the UN Security Council and the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA).

The two sides reiterated that Tehran had the right to pursue peaceful
nuclear program, Lavrov said, adding that the two leaders urged Iran
to fulfill its commitments regarding the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Both Moscow and Washington consider Iran-IAEA cooperation crucial in
removing the existing ambiguities in Iran?s nuclear activities, the
Russian foreign minister said, underlining the need for resumption of
negotiations to resolve the issue.

The Islamic Republic will then enjoy all rights of the non-atomic
members of the NPT, he said, expressing the hope that Washington would
be ready to attend talks with the Group 5+1 on Iran.

Referring to the US president?s message to the Iranian nation, Lavrov
welcomed Obama?s stand to normalize relations with Iran in all areas.

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