Russia says supports creative approaches to Iran’s nuclear issue

TEHRAN, April 18 (MNA) – Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Riabkov said that Moscow supports creative approaches to help resolve the disputes over Iran’s nuclear issue. Riabkov said that Russia understands the importance of Iran’s role in the regional stability and as a member of the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany), makes every effort to resolve the disputes diplomatically. Moscow believes that it will benefit from the settlement of the issue as much as Tehran, he added. He went on to say that fortunately the recent dialogue between the Islamic Republic and the 5+1 group was a step forward in efforts to settle the issue in the near future. Negotiators from Iran and the major powers met on April 14 in Istanbul after a 15-month hiatus Commenting on a modified version of the Russian “step-by-step” proposal according to which Iran could address questions about its nuclear program and be rewarded with a gradual easing of sanctions toward Iran’s nuclear program, the deputy foreign minister said the fact that Tehran and the 5+1 group approved the plan shows that the talks have been positive. He also censured war rhetoric against Iran, saying even a mere discussion of war irritates Russia. He added any military act against Iran will be catastrophic. Elsewhere in his remarks, Riabkov described Iran-Russia ties as close and said that the two countries have great potential which should be utilized to increase cooperation in all spheres. He said that the two countries share many historical affinities and as two regional powers face common opportunities and threats.