Medvedev issues special statement on Iran`s nuclear program

PITTSBURGH, September 26 (Itar-Tass) -- Russian President Dmitry
Medvedev issued a special statement regarding Iran on Friday.
This is the full text of the document.
"Of all regional problems I would like to especially emphasize that of
Iran. As we stated in New York two days ago, we are unanimous in our
determination to start negotiations on concluding within the tightest
deadlines a comprehensive and long-term agreement with the aim to settle
Iran's nuclear problem.
"At the same time today's situation requires special attention. In
their recent message to the IAEA the Iranian authorities confirmed they
are in the process of building a new uranium enrichment plant. The
information to the effect Iran has for several years built an enrichment
facility near Qum without the IAEA's knowledge is a source of serious
concern.
"The construction of a new uranium enrichment plant runs counter to
repeated demands by the UN Security Council to the effect Iran should stop
its enrichment activity.
"The Russian side together with its partners believes that the IAEA
should look into the matter without delay in the context of the inspection
activities regarding Iran's nuclear program. Within the framework of the
liabilities Russia assumed as an IAEA member we shall promote such an
inquiry with all possible means available to us. We are calling on Iran to
fully cooperate with the IAEA in conducting this investigation.
"Russia remains committed to the fundamental dialogue with Iran with
the aim to achieve an agreement on effective means of lifting the
international community's concerns over that country's nuclear program.
Indeed, the newly discovered evidence to the effect Iran is building a new
enrichment plant merely multiplies our determination to achieve concrete
and verifiable results in the near future.
"The international sextet, of which Russia is a member, and Iranian
officials are scheduled to hold a meeting on October 1. This meeting will
give Iran a chance to demonstrate that it is determined to finding a
negotiated solution of that problem. That will be possible, if Iran
approaches the Geneva meeting with the readiness to focus on the nuclear
issue, take practical steps to restore trust to its nuclear program and
ensure its transparency, as well as to demonstrate the readiness for
full-scale cooperation with the IAEA. We are hoping, that Iran in the wake
of the newly-discovered evidence concerning the construction of a new
enrichment plant will provide convincing proof of its intention to develop
nuclear power exclusively for peaceful purposes."