Putin backs IAEA plan for 'time out' on Iran UPDATE |
|
|
|
Published
:
Thu, 01 Feb 2007 14:22
|
(Updating with quote, background)MOSCOW (AFX) - Russia supports a proposal by the UN nuclear watchdog aimed at a 'time out' in the international row over Iran's nuclear programme, President Vladimir Putin said today.'I think we need to work actively together in this direction,' Putin said, referring to the proposal by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mohamed ElBaradei.Iran 'has a right to access modern technology, including nuclear technology. The point is to find an option that guarantees Iran access but also allays the concerns of the international community. Such an option exists. Mr ElBaradei has proposed this,' Putin said at his annual news conference.ElBaradei has suggested that Iran halt its controversial nuclear enrichment programme while the international community holds off imposing United Nations-endorsed sanctions.Western countries have shown scepticism about ElBaradei's idea and the United States has flatly rejected it.The United States suspects Iran is developing nuclear weapons under cover of its nuclear energy programme. Tehran vehemently denies this.Russia meanwhile is a trading partner and ally of Iran and the head of the Russian Security Council visited the country earlier this week for talks.Putin reiterated today that Russia intended to complete work on building a nuclear power station for Iran at Bushehr, a project that Washington has called on Moscow to halt.'We intend to complete this programme,' Putin said of the Bushehr project.newsdesk@afxnews.comafp/cmrCOPYRIGHTCopyright AFX News Limited 2006. All rights reserved.The copying, republication or redistribution of AFX News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of AFX News.AFX News and AFX Financial News Logo are registered trademarks of AFX News Limited
|
|
|
|
Print this Story
IAEA in talks with Iran after inspectors blocked 