Brussels, 19/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 18 June, Russia's Minister for Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov called on the major world powers to relax their sanctions against Iran, saying that Tehran is ready to agree to suspend 20% enrichment. “For the first time in years, encouraging signs have appeared in the process for settling the issue of the Iranian nuclear programme”, Lavrov told the news agency Kuna. He said that “the Iranians confirm the principle - they are ready, even at this stage, to accept suspension of 20% uranium enrichment”.
However, in Lavrov's opinion, “possible concessions from Iran must be accompanied by similar significant measures on the part of the major world powers”. “Strengthening sanctions against Iran must be avoided and discussion should start on possibly relaxing the sanctions progressively”, he added. “Although the possibility of progress in the negotiations is taking shape, it is extremely important that all parties refrain from taking ill thought-through measures that are likely to undermine these efforts”, he continued.
Lavrov therefore called on the big world powers and Iran to show “political resolve and flexibility” so as to be able to make progress in their negotiations. “The date and place of the next meeting between the E5+1 group and Iran should be set as quickly as possible”, he said.
A spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said - without answering EUROPE's questions about the Russian ideas and sanctions - that “consultations between the E3+3 members are under way to decide on the next steps in the process of nuclear negotiations with Iran”. The spokesperson said that, as part of the E3+3, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton “remains firmly resolved to work with the new Iranian government to find a diplomatic solution to the nuclear issue fast”. The spokesperson did not say whether talks are under way on a new date for fresh negotiations. The spokesperson added that “we will assess the nuclear policy of the new Iranian government by its actions”. “We hope that Iran will soon give a clear and constructive response to the proposal to strengthen trust that was put forward in Almaty (during discussions)”, the spokesperson concluded. (CG/transl.fl)