Solution to Iranian nuclear issue will stabilize Middle East — Lavrov

MOSCOW, November 19. /TASS/. Solution to the decade-old crisis over Iran's nuclear program could promote stability in the Middle East region, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday. Russia’s initiatives to resolve the issue on the principles of a phased approach and reciprocity have “gained broad international recognition” and provide the basis for the approaches that are currently being discussed during the talks between Tehran and P5+1 group, Lavrov said. “The progress in this direction could have a positive effect on the situation in the Middle East and contribute to success of the efforts which are made to create a zone in the Middle East that would be free of weapons of mass destruction,” Lavrov said. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Tuesday that Iran and the P5+1 group (five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany) are “in half step” from solving Tehran’s nuclear problem. Western nations suspect Iran of using its nuclear research for developing atomic weapons while Iran insists its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes only. Read more