Volume. 11349


























Iran, Russia discuss ‘step-by-step’ plan
Political Desk

On Line: 20 January 2012 17:00
In Print: Saturday 21 January 2012



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TEHRAN – Ali Baqeri, the deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed various aspects of the Russian proposal for a “step-by-step” plan toward Iran’s nuclear program during a meeting in Moscow on January 19.


On July 13, 2011, Russia made a proposal for a step-by-step approach, according to which Iran could address questions about its nuclear program and be rewarded with a gradual easing of sanctions.

In the meeting, the Iranian official also said that the dialogue-pressure approach toward Iran, which has been adopted by some major powers, does not work.


Iran believes that it is the dialogue-cooperation approach which could be fruitful and result in a win-win situation, he said.


He also highlighted the role of Russia in the new round of talks between Tehran and the 5+1 group (the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China, and Germany), which is expected to be held in Turkey in the near future.


On Tehran-Moscow bilateral relations, Baqeri said cooperation between Iran and Russia could guarantee stability in the region.


Pointing to the assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists, he said that the world believes that those politicians who have repeatedly said that all options are on the table to curb Iran’s nuclear activities are first and foremost responsible for these terrorist incidents.


The Russian foreign minister also criticized certain Western countries for adopting a confrontational approach toward the Islamic Republic and a praised Iran for continuing its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.


Lavrov added that Russia will make every effort to ensure the success of the new round of talks between Iran and the six major powers.


After meeting with Russian officials, Baqeri headed for China to discuss Iran’s nuclear issue with Chinese officials.