Russia looks for an early solution over Iran's nuclear programme

Moscow, Dec 13: Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov today said Russia is seeking an early solution to all issues about Iran's nuclear programme.

''We would sincerely like to have all issues surrounding the Iranian nuclear programme settled,'' Lavrov said at the talks with his Iranian counterpart Manouchehr Mottaki. ''This could be achieved on the basis of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT), cooperation with the IAEA and recognition of Iran's right to peaceful use of nuclear energy,'' he was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti news agency.

Under an agreement reached between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in August, Tehran committed itself to answering all of the IAEA's questions about its nuclear programme.

Lavrov also urged Iran to join efforts in settling regional issues, including the Middle East conflict.

The Russian Foreign Minister also praised intensive contacts between Moscow and Tehran in the last few months.

''We have a busy bilateral agenda,'' Lavrov said, referring to the implementation of agreements reached during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Tehran in October.

On his part, Mottaki said, ''The approach is very important, as the business culture has become closer between the (two) sides,'' adding bilateral trade between the two countries had increased recently by over 100 per cent.

UNI