Russia has called for a fresh round of talks between Iran and the P5+1 group of world powers over Tehran’s nuclear issue by mid-September.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Tuesday that his country shared the optimism of the five other members of the P5+1 group - comprising the US, the UK, China, France and Russia plus Germany -- and will push for fresh talks immediately after Iran’s President Hassan Rohani names his negotiating team.
"This round, given all the circumstances, must be held by mid-September. This cannot be delayed any longer," Ryabkov stated, adding, "As soon as the configuration of the new Iranian delegation is clear, the group of six can quickly make a proposal and organize for this round in the next 4-5 weeks," he added.
The Russian official emphasized that there is a lot of reason to be optimistic about the issue.

Ryabkov’s remarks came after the Iranian president reaffirmed Tehran’s determination to pursue a “win-win” approach to finding a solution to Iran’s nuclear issue.

“We are prepared to enter serious and meaningful negotiations with determination and without wasting time, and if our opposing party is equally ready, I am confident that the concerns of both sides will be allayed through dialogue,” Rohani stated.

The Iranian chief executive emphasized that in general, he is not pessimistic about the prospect of future talks over Iran’s nuclear issue.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also on Tuesday urged support for Rohani’s nuclear stance, saying Moscow "absolutely agrees" that Tehran’s nuclear issue should be resolved peacefully, not via ultimatums.

He called on the P5+1 to throw their support behind the attitude of the new Iranian administration.

Iran and the P5+1 group have held several rounds of talks on a range of issues, with the main focus being on Iran’s nuclear energy program.

The US, Israel and some of their allies falsely claim that Iran is pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy program, with Washington and the European Union using the unfounded allegation as a pretext to impose illegal sanctions on Iran.

Tehran strongly rejects the groundless claim over its nuclear activities, maintaining that as a committed signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency, it has the right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

By Press TV

 

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