Moscow expresses shock over US accusation on Iran

Moscow, June 10 (UNI) Russia has expressed shock over the comments by the US ambassador to the UN John Bolton, accusing the Russian leadership of lacking a consensus over the Iranian nuclear issue.

''Moscow is actively involved in international efforts to solve the problem through diplomatic channels, and holds a unified position that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons, while supporting the right of the country to develop peaceful nuclear energy,'' Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

''Russia was pleased with the balanced and responsible announcements in recent days from the US representatives in support of restarting the talks on Iran's nuclear programme in the new format, which Washington recently expressed its willingness to join,'' the statement pointed out.

''In this context, the 'revelation' made by Mr Bolton on the alleged lack of consensus within the Russian leadership on the issue of the Iranian nuclear programme is very unexpected,'' it stressed.

''Those in Washington who support finding a political-diplomatic solution, which we would hope includes John Bolton, need international support, including from Russia,'' the statement added.

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