Russia says "real chance" of resolving Iran crisis

MOSCOW, June 1 (Reuters) Russia today said "a real chance" of resolving the crisis surrounding Iran's nuclear ambitions had emerged and called on Tehran to grasp the opportunity.

''Today a real chance has appeared to achieve (such) a settlement,'' Russia's foreign ministry said, referring to Washington's offer to hold direct talks with Tehran on its nuclear programme if it stopped enriching uranium.

''We call on Iran to constructively respond to it (the chance)'' the foreign ministry said in a statement issued as world powers met in Vienna to try to agree on a plan to resolve the crisis around Iran's nuclear activities.

REUTERS SI BST1511