'Don't use force against Iran'
2006-03-29 16:13
Moscow - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned on Wednesday that any attempt at using force or coercion to resolve the stand-off over Iran's nuclear programme would be counter-productive.
"Any ideas about a coercive, forceful solution to the issue are highly counter-productive and cannot be supported," Lavrov told reporters in Moscow.
"We are aiming for the security council to do what is necessary on a professional, not a politicised, basis," he added.
"Exclusively political methods" should be used to resolve a dispute over Iran's nuclear programme, he continued, adding: "We want all the international community's concerns to be dispelled."
Lavrov spoke before travelling to Germany for a key meeting on Thursday of top diplomats from the UN security council permanent members plus Germany, aimed at finding a strategy to deal with Iran's refusal to halt uranium enrichment.
The United States and European powers believe Iran's civilian nuclear programme hides an effort to develop weapons. Tehran insists its research is peaceful.
Russia, along with China, has said it will oppose any draft statement in the UN security council that hints at punitive measures against the Islamic republic, an ally and trading partner.
However, Russia has also expressed frustration at the lack of a clear response from Iran on its standing offer to enrich uranium in Russia on Iran's behalf as a guarantee that it only be used to create nuclear energy.
"Iran must give an unambiguous agreement or refusal to this offer," defence minister Sergei Ivanov said on Tuesday.
Diplomats have reported progress in the security council, particularly after a Franco-British statement that calls on Iran to meet demands from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was watered down.
The new text includes vague language that the council "recalls its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security", according to a draft circulated by Britain and France.
- AFP