Russian FM: Moscow Against Anti-Iran Sanctions

Moscow, Jan 19, IRNA – Russia Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said here on Wednesday that Moscow opposed any US and European one-sided sanctions against Iran. Addressing a press conference, Lavrov said that such sanctions will hinder resumption of talks between Iran and 5+1. Noting that there are no logical reasons for imposing new sanctions on Iran, he said more sanctions will adversely affect lives of people while Russia believes that there is still hopes for resumption of Iran-5+1 talks though certain elements are trying to prevent them. Lavrov stressed that the fact that Iran allowed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief to visit its nuclear centers last August proved Tehran’s good will and transparency. He said the last November IAEA report raised unacceptable issues and thus triggered a controversy. He further criticized the recent European Union (EU) measures to impose more sanctions on Iran and said they acted as severe obstacles in the way of resumption of talks with Iran that is now ready to cooperate with the IAEA. Lavrov said contacts and lobby among European capitals to pave the way for resumption of Iran-5+1 negotiations still go on./end