Russia says talks to solve Iran atomic case

TEHRAN, Oct 3 (Reuters) Russia believes a dispute over Iran's nuclear programme should be resolved by negotiations, the secretary of Russia's Security Council, Igor Ivanov, said today.

''Russia believes that all the issues regarding Iran's nuclear case should be resolved through talks and is ready to give efforts to reach that point,'' Ivanov said after talks in Tehran with Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani.

The United States and Britain said today Iran could soon face sanctions because it showed no sign of halting sensitive nuclear work, while the European Union said the latest talks had been helpful but had brought no breakthrough.

''We believe this nuclear issue should be resolved through talks and we want these talks to continue,'' Larijani said after the meeting.

Larijani has been holding talks with EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, who is seeking to convince Iran to suspend uranium enrichment. No deal has been reached but further talks are planned.

The West accuses Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran denies.

REUTERS SP BD2046