Russia’s Lavrov meets Iran’s Salehi ahead of nuke talks

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov flew into Iran on Wednesday, June 13 for a brief visit to discuss upcoming international talks over Tehran's disputed nuclear programme, AFP reported.

The trip preceded a new round of negotiations between Iran and the major powers that is to be held in Moscow next Monday and Tuesday.

In a joint news conference after meeting his Iranian counterpart, Ali Akbar Salehi, Lavrov revealed little of what they talked about.

"The Iranian side is interested in coming up with solutions which would contribute to the settlement of the nuclear issue," he said, speaking through an official interpreter.

He reiterated Russia's opposition to unilateral sanctions imposed by Western countries that are hurting Iran's oil export-dependent economy.

Salehi said he was "optimistic" about the prospects of the Moscow negotiations, despite two unproductive rounds in Istanbul and Baghdad earlier this year.

"The direction taken by the two sides to resolve the issue is the right one," he said. "The issue is complicated and one has to have patience to make progress."

He added: "In this process, it can slow down at times, then accelerate. But we are optimistic about the final result."

Lavrov was also to meet Iran's lead negotiator, Saeed Jalili, before flying out, according to Iranian officials.