Lavrov says Russia still against Iran sanctions

Warsaw, Oct 5: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated today that his country opposed sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme ahead of a meeting of major powers in London this week.

''I believe that until diplomatic means are exhausted, sanctions would be too radical,'' Lavrov told a news conference in Warsaw.

''We have to do everything to persaude Iran to begin negotiations ... The issue needs to be resolved diplomatically.'' Leaders from the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany are planning to meet tomorrow or Saturday to discuss Iran.

The Eurppean Union said today Iran was close to triggering sanctions by refusing to halt uranium enrichment, a process that can make fuel for nuclear power plants or material for atomic bombs.

Iran insists it only wants to master nuclear technology to make electricity.

REUTERS

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