The Financial Times
Russia on Wednesday gave a clear indication that it would not back any immediate toughening in the United Nations’ approach to Iran’s nuclear programme, in spite of US calls for leading powers to convene for discussions on the issue next week.
As Washington made clear that it was unhappy with the latest attempt by Iran to allay international concerns over its nuclear programme, a senior Kremlin official in Moscow signalled that Russia would not support a new Security Council resolution.
“As far as Iran’s nuclear programme is concerned, we have passed resolutions in the UN,” the official said. “So far, it’s enough.”
Referring to an agreement by Iran to tell the International Atomic Energy Agency – the UN nuclear watchdog – about hitherto secret details of its atomic programme, the Russian official continued: “There are certain movements on the part of Iran, certainly as regards the [IAEA]. We co-operate with the US on Iran patiently, [although] it may be not as actively as [the US] would like.”
Moscow’s stance will disappoint the US, which announced last night that it would convene a meeting of leading powers next week to discuss fresh sanctions against Iran. The US dismissed the IAEA accord with Tehran at a tense meeting of the governing board in Vienna........
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