Russia ready to back some Iran sanctions-Lavrov

DEAD SEA, Jordan, Dec 1 (Reuters) Russia is ready to back sanctions against Iran aimed at preventing it from building military nuclear potential, Interfax news agency quoted Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as saying today.

''We are not against sanctioning Iran,'' Lavrov told a news conference during a visit to Jordan.

''We have to concentrate in the UN Security Council on prohibiting supply to Iran of technologies, materials and services related to the areas of concern.'' Russia has resisted US-led efforts to impose strong sanctions on Iran, suspected by the West of trying to make a nuclear bomb. Iran says its nuclear ambitions are limited to peaceful energy projects.

''Russia is against punishing Iran,'' Lavrov said, reiterating Moscow's previous position.

Interfax news agency quoted him as saying Moscow was opposed to any other sanctions beyond the ones he mentioned.

Russia is part of an international team, consisting of five veto-wielding permanent UN Security Council members and Germany, that is working to persuade Tehran to give up military nuclear plans and make its atomic programme transparent.

Russian news agencies quoted Lavrov as saying earlier today that leaders from Germany, the United States, Britain, Russia, France and China were expected to meet early next week to discuss Iran.

Moscow has criticised Iran for failing to cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN nuclear watchdog which is investigating its nuclear programme.

REUTERS PB RK2122