Putin, Ahmadinejad discuss Lebanon, Iran crisis

Moscow, July 26: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad discussed the Israeli offensive in Lebanon and Iran's nuclear programme with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin said today.

''The crisis situation surrounding Lebanon was at the centre of discussion,'' the Kremlin press service said of the telephone conversation late on Tuesday. ''Different aspects of resolving the Iranian nuclear programme were also touched upon.'' ''On both topics, Vladimir Putin stated the fundamental position of the Russian side,'' it said.

Russia has called for a ceasefire in Lebanon and criticised the Israeli attacks, saying they went beyond the anti-Hizbollah military operation the Jewish state said it was conducting.

Russia is one of six powers that want Iran to respond to an offer of incentives in exchange for Tehran stopping uranium enrichment. Unlike the United States and some other Western powers, it says it is too early to talk about economic or other sanctions against Tehran.

The telephone exchange took place at Ahmadinejad's request.

Ahmadinejad said yesterday during a visit to Tajikistan that the conflict between Lebanon and Israel could sweep through the entire Middle East like a hurricane.

The United States and key European countries fear Iran's nuclear activity is a cover for bomb making. Tehran says it has a right to civilian nuclear power and that its nuclear programme is aimed only at producing electricity.

Reuters

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